Damage in the Millions: Police Stop Construction Equipment Thieves in Lower Austria

Five men aged between 29 and 54 are currently in pre-trial detention at the Korneuburg correctional facility. The Polish nationals are said to be part of a group of at least seven perpetrators who have extensively stolen construction machinery in several districts of Lower Austria. Two other suspects are being sought.

Police in Lower Austria speak of "extremely professional approach"

According to the Lower Austria State Criminal Police Office, the thefts occurred between March 26 and August 21, 2024. The perpetrators targeted excavators, dumpers, and tractors that were parked beside roads or in storage areas. During the night hours, these vehicles were started, taken to remote locations, and loaded onto Polish transport vehicles.

To bypass tracking systems, the perpetrators systematically removed previously installed GPS transmitters. The police speak of an "extremely professional approach." Traces at the crime scene were obscured, for example, by using fire extinguishers.

International cooperation led to perpetrator group in Czech Republic

The investigations led the police to Poland and the Czech Republic. On August 21, 2024, two vehicles with stolen excavators were stopped in the Czech Republic, and four men were arrested. Another suspect was apprehended in Poland and extradited to Austria. Two of the five detainees have confessed.

The investigations lasted several months and involved close cooperation with foreign police authorities. A total of 18 crime scenes were attributed to the group, resulting in damage of more than one million euros.

Damage in the millions, investigations ongoing

The stolen material included twelve excavators, eight plate compactors, six dumpers, six tractors, and several industrial and construction devices. The affected districts extend over Hollabrunn, Krems-Land, Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Waidhofen an der Thaya, Horn, and Zwettl. The investigations are ongoing. The judiciary continues to follow up on leads regarding additional accomplices and possible masterminds.

(APA/Red)

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