Handbag robbery in Klagenfurt: perpetrator on the run – police are looking for witnesses!

Handbag robbery in Klagenfurt: perpetrator on the run – police are looking for witnesses!

On Thursday, October 24, 2025, Klagenfurt experienced a frightening case of handbag snatching. At around 4:40 p.m., a 55-year-old woman from Feldkirchen fell victim to two unknown perpetrators on Lerchenfeldstrasse. One of the men spoke directly to the woman and diverted her attention while his accomplice violently snatched the handbag from her hand. The two perpetrators then ran towards the city in an unknown direction and have not yet been caught despite a quick response from the police. The police recently intervened and asked the public for information about the perpetrators, who were both around 20 years old, had well-groomed full beards and short dark hair and were wearing dark clothing, including a dark hoodie with white writing on the back and dark jeans. Police confirm that there is little harm to the victim, but the incident is causing worried mixed feelings among the public.
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Thefts in Klagenfurt

In recent months, Klagenfurt has not only been hit by handbag robberies, but also by a worrying increase in burglaries. According to reports, the Annabichl police station has identified a 37-year-old Bosnian national as a suspect who is accused of carrying out several burglaries in apartment complexes in Klagenfurt. The suspect is said to have broken into the basement and stole around 20 high-priced bicycles and e-bikes. These were then offered via a sales platform. During a house search, not only several stolen bicycles and e-bikes were seized, but also burglary tools, central keys for apartment blocks and broken key safes. In addition, 37 grams of cannabis herb were found. The suspect stated that he used the thefts to finance his drug addiction and his livelihood mydistrict.

Another alarming trend concerns the number of bicycle thefts in Klagenfurt. In 2023, a total of 682 bicycle thefts were recorded in the city, making Klagenfurt the sad leader in terms of theft numbers in Carinthia. This represents an increase of around 16 percent compared to the previous year. Although the total number of bicycle thefts in Austria is increasing, it is still below the peak of 2014, when 1,520 cases were registered. The clearance rate for bicycle thefts is alarmingly low at just 7.8 percent, which poses challenges for both the police and the public my- Klagenfurt.

Prevention is becoming the focus

In order to counteract the increasing trend of bicycle thefts, the population was asked to report possible defects in bicycle facilities. Measures to improve safe and sufficient bicycle parking spaces are being planned. The Austrian Transport Club (VCÖ) also recommends always locking bicycles, not only when you are away for a long time, but also during short stops. Bike owners should use high-quality locks and ensure their bikes are secured to solid objects. Noting the frame number is also recommended as a useful measure to make it easier to identify stolen bicycles. In view of the increased number of thefts, it is also advisable to take out theft insurance, which also covers the theft of parts my- Klagenfurt.