Gas Line Tampered: Five Arrests in Illegal Venue in Vienna

During a joint focused inspection in Vienna-Margareten, the City of Vienna's Immediate Measures Group, MA 59, Wiener Netze, and the police discovered an unauthorized hospitality business on Thursday, where a gas line was allegedly tampered with. Five people, including the operator, were temporarily arrested.

Threats and Knife: Inspection in Vienna-Margareten Escalated

According to the Immediate Measures Group, the gas meter was located in a locked storage room at the back of the establishment. The operator and four other individuals reportedly refused access despite multiple requests – partly under threat of violence. Only with the support of the fire department, which forcibly opened the door, were the authorities able to enter the room.

The situation escalated: According to police reports, the five individuals became physical with the authorities and had to be temporarily arrested. Two knives were also secured from the operator.

Life-Threatening Situation Due to Tampered Gas Line

Upon entering the storage room, the authorities' suspicion was confirmed. The gas line had been tampered with, and there was no valid gas supply contract. Investigations are now underway on suspicion of unlawful energy use, endangering public safety, and several administrative violations.

"This was not only unfair competition but also massively endangered people's safety," explained Walter Hillerer, head of the Immediate Measures Group. The deliberate tampering with gas lines is "life-threatening – for employees as well as for residents."

(APA/Red)

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