Vienna cracks violent crime: prohibition of weapons shows effect!

Vienna cracks violent crime: prohibition of weapons shows effect!

Favoriten, Wien, Österreich - Vienna's state police president Gerhard Pürstl has urged that the effective weapon ban zones in favorites and on the Praterstern remain. This is done in response to the positive development of the security situation, as he explained in an interview with the APA. "The prohibitions on weapons have had an effect," he emphasized, since violent crime in these areas has a slight decline. Last year, 118 banned weapons, including 80 knives, were ensured in favorites, which underlines the success of this measure. These figures are to be analyzed compared to the new year, especially if the population is more active in public space, says Pürstl.

security measures and challenges

Pürstl also expressed his resentment that there is no general ban on weapons all over Austria. "In densely populated areas, it is inexplicable why people run around with knives," said the chief of police. There was also an increase in ads in the field of addictive crime, which is closely related to the increased controls. The police also pay particular attention to busy places and important traffic hubs to strengthen the feeling of security of the population. These public spaces are crucial because everything that happens is perceived by the population. This is also reflected in the increasing figures for inquiries about the custodies of entrance and rapprochement, which will continue to be pronounced in the current year.

Gerhard Pürstl, who was employed as police chief of Vienna in 2008, previously passed a comprehensive career in the police, which led him to the highest position in the Vienna police. His professional path is remarkable in police history, and in 2023 he was confirmed again for five years.

The results of the police strategy are remarkable - the current situation shows a decline in violent crimes in public space, but there is a challenge, especially with regard to youth crime and control over unaccompanied minor criminals. "Police work is a constant process and we leave no doubt about our determination," assured Pürstl.

Although the debate about the age limit of feasibility remains heated against the background of incidents with young people, Pürstl remains prudent and asks the company to also take preventive measures. "Education and formation of value are crucial," says Pürstl, in order to counteract the increasing youth crime, as well as in the discrepancy between the perception of security and reality in recent years.

OE24 reported on the new measure, while Wikipedia gives interesting insights into the career of Gerhard Pürstl.