Police shoot ATMPRENGER: Chaos in Vienna-Leopoldstadt!

Police shoot ATMPRENGER: Chaos in Vienna-Leopoldstadt!

In the early morning hours of April 6, 2025, there was a violent incident in Vienna-Leopoldstadt, in which a 24-year-old Dutch citizen was shot during a police operation. The man is suspected of having been involved in an ATM. The police were alerted due to increased surveillance after an explosion of three ATMs in a bank branch in Vorgartenstrasse. This attack was carried out by four suspects who wanted to capture high cash amounts during the explosion.

at 04:00 a.m. the perpetrators blew up the ATMs. When the police arrived at the crime scene, a suspected perpetrator tried to drive to the officials with a vehicle, which led to a change of shooting. In this context, the suspect was violated, but immediately received first aid from paramedics of the Vienna career rescue and was taken to a hospital. The police authorities have confirmed that it is under police guard, but is not in mortal danger.

escape and search

Three accomplices of the shot suspect could escape on scooters. Despite an extensive instant search, these have so far been unobtrusive. The Viennese police reacted to increased crime by intensifying the surveillance measures and asked all citizens for relevant information. Information can be submitted anonymously at any police department or at the Vienna State Criminal Police Office.

The increase in ATM boards in Austria is alarming. This was already the 16th such explosions this year, and there were reports of a total of 14 attempted or completed ATM has been blown up since the beginning of the year. In order to avoid another increase, banks such as Postbank and BAWAG have already taken measures to take ATMs out of service and to limit customers access.

threats and measures

ATM blast not only represent a significant financial risk, but also endanger the security of residents and passers -by. The damage to property often exceeds the prey, as an example shows in which explosions caused over 500,000 euros in damage, while only 100,000 euros were captured. In addition, the perpetrators act more efficiently and organized, often cross -border from the Netherlands and other European countries, such as a report by orf.at . Against this background, the Federal Criminal Police Office (BK) launched the "SOKO ATM" in order to act against this increasing threat. The head of this special commission, Dieter CSEFAN, indicates that the groups of perpetrators come mainly from the Netherlands and operate more effectively than before.

The developments in this matter illustrate the urgent need for increased security presence and preventive measures by the police and the affected banks. It remains to be seen whether the shot suspicious information about his accomplices will reveal in order to give the investigation into further impetus. The increase in the ATM in 2025 has already exceeded the total number of incidents of 2024 and shows no sign of relaxation.

The population is therefore called up to be vigilant and to give relevant information in order to combat crime in this area sustainably. The police promise to take all the clues seriously and, if necessary, to carry out further measures.