Armed robbery at tobacco shop in Vienna-Meidling – police are looking for witnesses!

Armed robbery at tobacco shop in Vienna-Meidling – police are looking for witnesses!

In Vienna-Meidling, a report of an attack was received around 11:30 a.m. on April 18, 2025, which caused a stir. A previously unknown man entered a tobacconist's shop and suddenly demanded cash from the 23-year-old employee. She reacted courageously and refused to give in to the perpetrator by asking him to leave the store. However, the robbery took a violent turn when the perpetrator displayed a suspected firearm he was carrying in his waistband and elbowed the employee in the face. In another attempt, he reached for the cash register, but was interrupted by the employee calling for her supervisor for help. The perpetrator then fled and escaped in an unknown direction with two cartons of cigarettes.

Again courier According to reports, the police have already initiated an investigation and secured a photo of the alleged perpetrator. The Vienna State Police Department is asking the public for help. Relevant information can be given anonymously to the Vienna State Criminal Police Office on the telephone numbers 01-31310-57210 or 57800.

Vienna as a safe city and the reality of attacks

Vienna is considered one of the safest cities in Europe and has almost 1.9 million inhabitants. Nevertheless, the statistics show that in 2021 the number of robbery crimes increased by 29 cases, from 1751 to 1780. The clearance rate was 52.2% in 2021, which represents a slight increase compared to 50.3% in the previous year. Robberies, particularly at petrol stations, tobacconists and betting shops, pose a significant risk to employees and customers. For example, it is advised that the surrounding area should always be checked for suspicious circumstances before entering or leaving a shop.

The state police also recommend security measures such as designing the checkout area so that monetary transactions cannot be seen by passers-by and regularly securing cash in a safe place.

How to behave in an emergency

In the event of a robbery, the safety of everyone present is the top priority. This means following the perpetrator's instructions and discreetly making an emergency call to trigger a silent alarm. Characteristics of the perpetrator and any getaway vehicles used are also important details to remember.

After an attack, the police should be called immediately and, if anyone is injured, emergency services should be notified. Witnesses are asked to remain on site until the police arrive in order to be available as witnesses. Measures to secure stores and raise awareness among staff are essential steps to avoid such incidents in the future.

As the ORF reports, in a time when many technologies already exist to prevent burglary, it is important to actively ensure security in stores.

The current events in Vienna underline the need to be well prepared both preventively and reactively.