Pharmacies in Vienna: youth gangs on a burglary spree!

Pharmacies in Vienna: youth gangs on a burglary spree!

In Vienna, child and youth gangs have discovered pharmacies as new burglary targets, which has led to a worrying increase of 21 registered burglaries since March 16, 2023. The perpetrators, mostly underage teenagers, have concentrated on the cash in the cash registers and have not yet stolen any medication. According to a report by Cosmo The Chamber of Pharmacists became active and informed its members about the threat. It was decided that the cash registers should be completely emptied in the evening in order to minimize losses.

The police, supported by the State Criminal Police Office, are closely monitoring the situation and have already identified some suspects. It is estimated that 60 to 70 members in Vienna are involved in the crimes, of which 20 to 30 are active in the affected districts such as Meidling, Hietzing, Ottakring and Liesing. It is suspected that the perpetrators have acquired knowledge about breaking into automatic sliding doors, which could explain the high number of break-ins The press reported.

Risk factors and prevention strategies

The increasing crime among young people raises questions about the causes and connections. According to the Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, various action strategies are being worked on to prevent crime and violence. Many children and young people who are suspected of committing crimes only appear once, while around 5-10% become repeat offenders. Intensity offenders who repeatedly commit serious crimes are often affected by social disadvantages, experiences of violence in the family and other complex problems.

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

Increased police presence and future steps

Due to the increasing number of break-ins, the Chamber of Pharmacists has recommended measures that also include an increased police presence during the night. The safety of the employees in the pharmacies has the highest priority in this difficult situation. A meeting between representatives of Viennese pharmacists and the state police chief is planned to discuss further steps to increase security. The Chamber of Pharmacists remains in constant contact with the City Council for Health in order to manage the situation as best as possible.

Overall, the current incidents in Vienna show a worrying picture that affects not only pharmacists, but also society as a whole. This makes it all the more important to develop and implement preventive measures to ensure the safety of citizens and to guide children and young people on a positive path in life. For further information on prevention strategies for juvenile crime, see the studies and materials Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth a valuable resource.