Although feared excesses of violence like last year did not occur on Halloween night this year, police – who were already showing an increased presence – had their hands full across the country. There were several reports and some preliminary arrests.
“Not comparable” – with these words the Linz police take stock with relief after this year’s Halloween night. After riots last year by young people in which officers were pelted with stones and fireworks, the police action was relatively quiet this year.
Drones, cameras and body cameras in use
As a preventive measure, the police had already increased staff in three legal cities: Linz, Wels and Steyr. Drones, cameras and body cameras would be used to fully secure evidence. The presence was clearly visible on the country road where the riots had taken place the previous year – and apparently effective. Because there were “not even fireworks” here, said city police commander Karl Pogutter.
The executive had more to do in the south of Linz, where young people set off fireworks in parks. According to the city police commander, there were some short-term arrests for disorderly conduct and numerous reports under the Pyrotechnics Act, and officers also seized fireworks with a net explosive content of 600 grams. It is unclear whether a car fire was caused by pyrotechnics, this is still being investigated, says Pogutter, but there is currently no evidence of this. There were no attacks on police officers or passers-by.
Palestinian demonstration in Vienna
The police were also increasingly on the move in Vienna. In addition to the patrol service, the special units Cobra and WEGA, as well as the service dog unit, the immigration police and the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, also had the task of maintaining “public peace, order and security”. The focus was on possible violations of the Pyrotechnics Act.
In fact, the Viennese police then had to deal with participants in a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Stephansplatz.
Girl (14) sexually harassed in Lower Austria
In Lower Austria, the police were largely called out due to material damage. In addition, in the Gänserndorf district, a 14-year-old girl was sexually harassed by two men wearing Halloween masks while out for a walk. In Tulln, a 16-year-old was reported under the Prohibition Act for shouting “Heil Hitler” at an event, the Lower Austria State Police Directorate announced on Wednesday.
Halloween was probably not on anyone’s radar: the local resident reported to police that a man wearing a balaclava and armed with a gun was driving through town. An 18-year-old, only in disguise, was found at the car’s license plate address.
Halloween prank in Graz escalates
A Halloween prank escalated in Graz: three teenagers threw an egg at a young man’s car. The unknown man then allegedly followed the 15-year-old boy to an apartment building. There he pulled out a knife, threatened the youths and demanded money. The man then fled with the double-digit amount.
Pedestrian hit and fled
In St. Lorenz am Mondsee, Upper Austria, the police had to deal with a terrible traffic accident: an unknown driver of a black car hit a pedestrian on Mondsee Straße (B154) on Wednesday evening and caused a collision. Two witnesses walking home from a Halloween festival called emergency services. The 21-year-old man was taken to hospital with head injuries.
At the festival itself there was a major search: a 25-year-old actually just wanted to go to the toilet, but did not return. His girlfriend raised the alarm and a major search ensued. The man was lost in the forest.
4.5 kilos of fireworks were seized in Salzburg
The night on All Saints’ Day was relatively quiet in the state of Salzburg. The police carried out 400 identity checks and filed a report. 4.5 kilos of fireworks were seized. No one was injured.
The Vorarlberg police also summarized this year’s Halloween night as “quiet”. There were a total of 250 police operations, but according to the director there were “no serious crimes”.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
