Weapons ban zone in Favoriten: extension for more security?

Weapons ban zone in Favoriten: extension for more security?

In Vienna-Favoriten, the weapons ban zone that has existed since March 2024 could be extended by a further three months. This was announced by a spokeswoman for the executive branch in a message to the APA. The decision to extend it, which is to be maintained until the end of June, will be made on the basis of an ongoing evaluation. An official regulation will be published in a timely manner so that residents are informed about the next steps. The police figures currently show a certain level of calm in the situation.

From the beginning of the year to the end of May, 43 violations were recorded in the weapons ban zone, affecting 43 people. During this period, the police confiscated a total of 56 weapons, including 41 knives. In addition to these measures, 32 reports were filed under the Security Police Act and 3 under the Weapons Act. The executive speaks of a “noticeable improvement in the situation” when it comes to security in the district. However, there are concerns among experts about the general effectiveness of prohibition zones. They question whether such measures can have a long-term preventive effect, as Wien.ORF.at reports.

Falling violent crime

The police under state police chief Gerhard Pürstl have announced that the weapons ban zone will be extended not only in Favoriten, but also at Praterstern. Pürstl expresses incomprehension about the lack of an Austria-wide weapons ban and compares the current situation with the years 2005 to 2010, when crime figures were significantly higher. In recent months, violent crime in Inner-Favorites has decreased slightly, which is a positive sign. Concrete statistics show that 118 banned weapons and weapon-like items have been confiscated since the ban was introduced - including 80 knives.

Interestingly, the increased controls in the prohibited zones have also led to an increase in reports of drug-related crime. This could indicate that the police have become more active in these areas and are therefore also targeting other forms of crime more closely. It was also found that 95 weapons were confiscated at Praterstern last year, while 108 were confiscated in 2023.

New focus on education

Another aspect that Pürstl addresses is the increase in crimes committed by people under criminal responsibility. Some young people commit numerous crimes, with a single offender recording 170 crimes in November. In this context, Pürstl advocates for educational measures instead of criminal consequences in order to offer young perpetrators perspectives and dissuade them from their criminal path.

The Vienna Police will continue to ensure public safety and respond in particular to the specific challenges in problem areas such as Favoriten. While no further weapons ban zones are currently planned in the city, it remains to be seen whether the existing measure can have the long-term effects hoped for. As the executive branch's analyzes show, the situation has improved compared to previous years, but the assessment remains that the road to complete security is still long.