Series of Break-ins in Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland: Police Capture Criminal Trio

Investigators from the State Criminal Office (LKA) of Lower Austria have identified a trio accused of 55 criminal acts, primarily vending machine break-ins, in the state as well as in Vienna and Burgenland. According to the police, the accused stole cash, food, and tools worth 12,000 euros. The property damage caused was almost three times as high, at 30,000 euros. The men, two 36-year-olds and a 50-year-old, are in custody in Korneuburg.

Perpetrators long under the watch of Lower Austria Police

The investigations by the LKA, together with police stations against perpetrators who primarily targeted vacuum cleaner machines and self-service car washes, among others at gas stations, had been ongoing since the end of December 2024. Additionally, it involved break-ins at snack bars, a golf club, and a farm shop. Based on video footage, a 36-year-old Czech was initially identified, caught in the act on February 10, and finally arrested while fleeing towards Slovakia at the Schwechat rest area (Bruck a.d. Leitha district) on the Vienna Outer Ring Expressway (S1), informed the State Police Directorate of Lower Austria.

Two accomplices arrested in Slovakia

The accused confessed comprehensively to 55 break-ins and fuel and license plate thefts since December 20, 2024. He also named two accomplices aged 36 and 50, both Slovak citizens, against whom European arrest warrants were issued by the Korneuburg public prosecutor's office. The men were subsequently handcuffed in their home country. The 50-year-old partially confessed, while the younger accused denied any involvement in the crimes.

42 of the 55 crimes were break-ins into vacuum cleaner, washing, and food vending machines, the police listed. The crime scenes were located in several districts of Lower Austria and in four districts of Vienna, as well as in the Burgenland district of Neusiedl am See.

(APA/Red)

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