Police report peaceful 490th Maxlaunmarkt

Police said the 490th Maxlaunmarkt in Niederwölz, in the Murau district, was mostly peaceful despite drawing 95,000 visitors over four days. ORF reported that officers credited their increased presence and policing strategy with helping keep the event safe.

Dozens of officers were deployed, supported by the Murau district team, the Styria rapid-response unit, the state police directorate’s traffic department and police drone technology. A temporary police post at the market enabled officers to respond quickly.

District police commander Martin Mellem said the force’s approach of dialogue, de-escalation and enforcement had proved effective. Most situations were resolved through dialogue and de-escalation, he said. Police recorded no reported assaults or property damage.

Officers also monitored traffic around the event. They conducted 148 preliminary alcohol tests, confiscated three driving licences and one vehicle number plate, issued 19 on-the-spot fines and filed 28 traffic-related reports. Three traffic accidents occurred.