Pharmacies in Vienna: Youth gangs on a burglary tour!

Pharmacies in Vienna: Youth gangs on a burglary tour!

In Vienna, children's and youth gangs have discovered pharmacies as new inlet goals, which has led to a worrying increase of 21 registered burglaries since March 16, 2023. The perpetrators, mostly minor adolescents, have focused on the cash stocks in the health insurers and have so far not stolen any medication. According to a report by Kosmo , the Chamber of Pharmacists became active and informed its members about the threat. It was decided that the health insurers should be completely emptied in the evening to minimize losses.

The police, supported by the State Criminal Police Office, watch the situation closely and have already identified some suspects. According to estimates, 60 to 70 members are involved in the crimes in Vienna, 20 to 30 of whom are active in the affected districts such as Meidling, Hietzing, Ottakring and Liesing. It is believed that the perpetrators have acquired knowledge of the breaking of automatic sliding doors, which could explain the high number of burglaries, as the reports the press

risk factors and prevention strategies

The increasing crime among young people raises questions about the causes and contexts. According to the Federal Ministry for Family, Seniors, Women and Youth, the prevention of crime and violence is used on various strategies for action. Many suspects children and adolescents only appear once, while about 5-10% repeatedly become delinquent. Intensity perpetrators, who repeatedly commit serious crimes, are often affected by social disadvantages, experience experiences in the family and other complex problems.

The cooperation between schools, police and youth welfare is continuously strengthened in order to successfully implement preventive measures. This is an important prerequisite for combating juvenile crime sustainably. Prevention strategies must be regularly evaluated and adapted in view of the changed reality.

reinforced police presence and future steps

Overall, the current incidents in Vienna show a worrying picture that concerns not only the pharmacists, but also society as a whole. It is all the more important to develop and implement preventive measures to ensure the security of citizens and to lead children and young people to a positive life. For further information on prevention strategies in youth crime, the studies and materials of the Federal Ministry, Seniors, women and youth a valuable resource.