Young gang of robbers in Vienna-Brigittenau: arrests after brutal attacks!

Young gang of robbers in Vienna-Brigittenau: arrests after brutal attacks!

In Vienna-Brigittenau, the police have arrested a group of young people in recent days who are linked to a robbery. According to the report from *vienna.at*, five young people between the ages of 13 and 16 were identified after intensive investigations by the Vienna State Criminal Police Office, Center-East branch. These young men are suspected of using violence to force two other young people to hand over personal items on July 16th.

The victims, who were attacked with punches and kicks, suffered minor injuries. The items seized included a cap and a shoulder bag. What makes these incidents particularly concerning is that the suspects include a 13-year-old, two 14-year-olds, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old. The young men were all reported and are now in legal proceedings.

Robbery in courtyard

polizei-nachrichten.atReportedly, there was a similar attack in an inner courtyard in Vienna-Brigittenau. Four young people between the ages of 14 and 16 attacked a 15-year-old there, pushed him into a corner and attacked him with punches and kicks. In this case, the victim's jacket was stolen and he also sustained injuries to his face. Interestingly, this brutal event was filmed by the perpetrators. Some of the young people confessed during their interrogation, but they were reported by the Vienna public prosecutor's office as being at large. However, the stolen jacket could not be recovered.

Growing juvenile crime

BMIreported, the number of reports against 10 to 14 year olds rose from 6,311 in 2014 to 9,730 in 2023. More than 500 students in Vienna are suspended every year for violent behavior, and the trend is rising. One reason is the often ethnically motivated conflicts between different groups, as can be seen from juvenile crime reports.

The police authorities are responding to these developments with special measures. An interministerial working group to combat youth crime was set up, which will focus in particular on underage serious offenders. One focus is on the prevention and early detection of dangerous behavior. The problem is also being fueled on social media, where videos of police operations are being distributed, which further complicates the relationship between youth gangs and the police.

Overall, the latest crime statistics show that robberies are now among the most common crimes committed by criminal youth groups. The police identify frequent hotspots for such attacks, such as the staircase path along the Danube Canal, where violent clashes often take place.