Young people caught in the act: shop theft in Spittal!

Young people caught in the act: shop theft in Spittal!

Spittal an der Drau, Österreich - Three young people from Spittal an der Drau are suspected of being involved in a series of shoplifting. As the Gailtal Journal , the young perpetrators, including two girls aged 14 and 15, were researched by the police. The investigation by the Spittal police inspection on the Drau show that the two girls had already stolen from a trading company on May 16, 2025.

After the first act, another theft followed on June 24, 2025, in which the two girls and another 15-year-old committed the crime. The youngsters' approach was targeted: they withdrawn perfumes, cosmetics and other goods from the packaging, stowed them into pockets and left the business unnoticed. The stolen articles were then divided and used for their own use.

total damage and legal steps

The total damage caused by the thefts amounts to a low four -digit euro amount. After the investigation has been completed, the three young people from the Klagenfurt public prosecutor's office are reported. These incidents also highlight the topic of youth crime and their developments.

If you look at the general statistics on youth crime, an analysis of Statista that youth crime is an increasing problem. The youth violence in Germany in 2024 reached a maximum of 13,800 cases, more than twice as high as in 2016. These figures indicate that the threshold is also reduced to crime in the age group of 14 to 17 year olds.

prevention and causes

The increase in youth crime can often be associated with psychological stress, for example by the Corona measures. The high proportion of male suspect, which made almost three quarters in 2024, is particularly striking. These developments leave the discussion about possible measures on the part of the legislator and youth welfare.

The cases from Spittal an der Drau illustrate the challenges with which society and institutions are confronted. The need for preventive measures to counter criminal behavior at an early stage is becoming increasingly clear.