New problems – youth gangs: incidents in other parts of the city

The Donaustadt is the largest district in Vienna in terms of area and is currently growing the fastest. About 4,000 new residents are added every year. But in addition to the huge population growth, the district is currently occupied by brutal youth gangs who are terrorizing an entire district in Essling. The “Krone” report caused a lot of excitement.

To restore safety there, the police presence has now been increased. The city’s mobile youth work and fair play teams should also help. But now incidents are also being reported from another part of the neighborhood.

District boss admits problems
In Hirschstetten, the Cizekplatz and the area around the ACTiN Park, a play and sports area for young people next to a large residential complex, are particularly affected. “People usually shout until late at night, rush around, play loud music with recorders and mobile phones and throw fireworks,” reports a long-suffering resident who wishes to remain anonymous.

In a telephone conversation with the “Krone”, district leader Ernst Nevrivy (SPÖ) regretfully admits that there are currently problems. However, the police have the situation on the ground under control, as the district head emphatically emphasizes. “Since the spring of 2023, we have received more and more complaints about young people staying in front of the children’s and youth meeting point at Cizekplatz,” confirm the Vienna Children’s Friends, who are responsible for park supervision there.

Police: “No increase in youth crime”
When asked, the police indicate that there are no known problems in this area or that there are more complaints. Statistical evaluations do not allow conclusions to be drawn about an increased crime or operational situation.

Nevertheless: From January 2024, at the request of the district, the Danube City Fair Play team will be increased in number and will travel more often in the affected areas. Working together with the local population to find a solution to the conflict, as they say.

Gang crime: “The spiral of violence turns upward”

The “Krone” asked a child and youth psychologist.

“Kron”: “There are more and more problems with violent youth gangs. How can young people be so cruel?”

Achimmer: The problem consists of several factors. In youth centers that are intended to be positive, young people of different ages and different cultural backgrounds come together. Conflicts can therefore quickly arise. Digital media also play an important role. A lot happens on the street then.

Can criminal acts at a young age be the start of a criminal career?

That may be true, but it doesn’t have to be. When you commit a crime at a young age, many institutions usually come into play to try to get young people who have committed crimes back on track. However, if they are not removed from this environment, there is an increased risk.

Has the number of young violent criminals increased in recent years?

Not all young people are prone to violence. There are always difficult cases and they are usually isolated outliers. But the spiral of violence turns upward. Fortunately, we have a lot of young people, the majority of whom are not on this path.

How can young perpetrators of violence be punished?

Stricter penalties do not solve the fundamental problem. People are always quick to call for it, but in my opinion that doesn’t solve any problems, it just creates more problems. Prevention could be one approach. Such as the ‘Justice sets a school’ project. Politicians need to invest more money to get the whole thing under control.