Serial robber caught in Vienna favorites: police strike!

Serial robber caught in Vienna favorites: police strike!

On Thursday, August 29, 2025, a criminal duo responsible for a series of robberies on gas station shops and tobacconists was caught in Vienna-Favoriten. How vol.at reported, the alleged perpetrators are suspected of having committed seven completed robberies and one attempted robbery. The two men had a deceptively real-looking blank gun with them and mostly operated as a team, with one of them standing in the entrance area.

The attacks have occurred in various districts of Vienna since July and caused unrest among residents. The total damage is in the low four-digit range, but the series has severely affected the population's sense of security. The police quickly took action and placed the investigation under the central command of the State Criminal Police Office.

Arrest and taking evidence

The arrest came as the 19 and 20 year old suspects were preparing for another attack. With the support of the Special Forces Directorate, the officers were able to catch the two men and confiscate a blank pistol, a stun gun, masking equipment as well as cash and cell phones. The perpetrators did not comment on the allegations during the arrest and their motive remains unclear.

Interestingly, the topic of crime in Austria, especially in Vienna, is very current right now. According to information from Statista A record-breaking number of around 528,000 crimes were reported in 2023, with Vienna as a hot spot for opaque transactions. Over a third of these crimes occurred in the federal capital, which once again has to deal with security challenges.

Social impact

The statistics on foreign crime in Vienna are particularly explosive. In 2022, around 43% of suspects were identified as foreigners, putting a strain on trust in public safety. Around 70% of Austrians believe that immigrants contribute to the crime problem. This perception may be reinforced by the recent attacks by the two arrested men.

Social discussions about security and crime were further fueled by such incidents. In a survey, the majority of the population said they wanted more presence and action from the police. The clearance rate in Austria is now 52.3%, a slight increase, but one that gives cause for optimism given the high number of crimes.

The Vienna region will therefore have to continue to be the focus of the investigative authorities in order to stabilize the citizens' sense of security and prevent further attacks. The arrests of the serial robbers are a step in the right direction, but the problems on the streets of Vienna remain complex and challenging.