Alarm signal in Vienna: Unknown man harasses children – police warn!

Alarm signal in Vienna: Unknown man harasses children – police warn!

Worrying incidents have been reported in Vienna in which an unknown man approaches and harasses children. These incidents occurred primarily in the area around the educational campus on Taborstrasse and alarmed parents and schools in the region. The series of speeches in the second district began about a month ago, with a 7-year-old girl being approached by the man on March 28 in the presence of her friends. He offered the girls sweets and grabbed the child's arm, whereupon the girl screamed loudly and the man fled. He is described as light-haired with light-colored eyes and speaks German. The Vienna police have now confirmed the incident and informed the education directorate, which has taken appropriate measures to inform students about potential dangers. There are particular concerns among parents of children with disabilities who could potentially become victims more easily.

In addition to the incidents on Taborstrasse, there were reports of another case in Vienna-Donaustadt in which a 9-year-old boy was approached by a man and attempted to kidnap him. Here too, the child was able to break away and escape. Similar incidents were also reported in other districts such as Vienna-Hernals, where a 9-year-old student was harassed. These disturbing events have led to increased uncertainty among parents and teachers.

Advanced danger perception

Another incident that took place in Vienna-Neubau between February 8th and 13th shows that the problem is more widespread. Here an unknown man spoke to children in Mondscheingasse, in a playground on Siebensterngasse and in Burggasse near the Volkstheater. He grabbed the children's arms and asked them to come with him. Fortunately, in all cases, the affected children managed to break free and run away, preventing more serious consequences. Vienna police have responded by increasing patrols in the affected area, particularly near schools. In addition, a close exchange with the schools in the region was established.

Call for vigilance

The Vienna police are asking the public for help. Relevant information can be directed to any police station. The children affected receive support from specially trained state criminal investigators in order to determine a description of the perpetrator. These incidents raise questions about child safety and lead to a broader discussion about child abuse, which can occur in various forms such as physical, sexual or psychological abuse and neglect. According to the World Health Organization, child abuse is common in all societies and requires urgent measures for prevention and protection.

The current events in Vienna make it necessary to raise awareness of such dangers and further intensify preventative measures. In this context, it is important that, in addition to security authorities, schools and parents work together to protect children and make them aware of any risks.

For more information about child abuse and prevention, read the report World Health Organization.

You can find more information about the incidents in Vienna at Cosmo as well as at Today.