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Viennese youth gang loots pharmacies: police sound the alarm!
Vienna is experiencing a series of pharmacy burglaries by a gang of youths. The police and the Chamber of Pharmacists are taking security measures.
Viennese youth gang loots pharmacies: police sound the alarm!
The Vienna police have been faced with an alarming increase in break-ins in pharmacies since March 16, 2025. A total of 21 such incidents were registered in the districts of Meidling, Hietzing, Ottakring and Liesing. In these burglaries, the perpetrators, mostly young people and minors, steal cash from the cash registers, while medicines are not stolen. The property damage often exceeds the value of the stolen money, which poses a serious problem for pharmacies. The Chamber of Pharmacists is therefore calling for measures to increase the safety of employees, especially during night shifts, when these incidents often occur. Loud oe24.at Investigations are carried out by the police authorities and the State Criminal Police Office (LKA) is involved in solving the crimes.
The significant role that young perpetrators play in these crimes makes the situation even more worrying. This youth gang, estimated to have 60 to 70 members, has learned techniques to open automatic sliding doors. Let's take a look at the social structure of these perpetrators: In addition to their ability to specifically access pharmacies, it is typical that they appear masked, although they do not always do so. Especially in the districts in which they are active, there is said to be a narrower circle of suspects, which could make the investigation easier.
Prevention and support
The Chamber of Pharmacists has suggested that pharmacies clear out their cash registers in the evening and leave the shops open in order to deter potential perpetrators. These preventative measures are considered necessary to ensure the safety of employees during on-call services, which remains a top priority. A planned dialogue with City Councilor for Health Peter Hacker (SPÖ) and State Police Chief Gerhard Pürstl aims to discuss further measures.
In the context of juvenile crime, the Federal Youth Ministry sees the situation as an opportunity for targeted action strategies. Over the last 20 years, crime and violence prevention among children and young people has developed qualitatively and quantitatively. Loud BMFSFJ Cooperation between child and youth welfare services, the police and the judiciary is strengthened. This could also influence current events in Vienna, as there are often fundamental problems behind such misconduct, such as social disadvantage or school problems.
Investigations into this matter are ongoing and the police have already established ongoing contact with relevant authorities to discuss possible solutions. The prevention of youth crime remains a central issue, and developments in Vienna could further fuel discussions about effective measures.