The weapons ban zone and the ‘Youth Crime Task Force’ have an impact. The ‘Krone’ has the first facts and figures about the age and origin of the perpetrators.
There is hardly a night without a knife attack, multiple cases of gang rape or shooting – that is the sad reality. And increasingly the perpetrators are minors. Self-appointed moral guardians and whip-wielding teenagers roam the streets. Vienna suffers from youth gangs.
Syrians, Afghans, Chechens and North Africans
The fact is that advertising in the age group of 10 to 14 years has increased enormously. While in 2013 there were 4,800 suspects between the ages of 14 and 18, in 2023 there would be twice as many nationally. The number of crimes in this age group has increased by about a third in the past decade. The Ministry of the Interior confirms: The majority of the suspects do not have Austrian citizenship. Common nationalities include Syrians, Afghans, Chechens and North Africans.
Minister of the Interior sent a special unit
The Ministry of the Interior recognized the problem and responded quickly. At the beginning of March, Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) sent a new “special task force for youth crime” in the fight against youth gangs. The first results are impressive, but should also set alarm bells ringing.
More than 1,800 people have been reported since the beginning of March. About 250 of them were minors. 225 people were arrested, a shocking 30 of whom were children and young people. The police do not want to rest on their laurels. Interior Minister Karner said: “The Juvenile Crime Task Force will continue to consistently clean up and ensure safety.”
Fewer advertisements in the weapons ban zone
The executive is also celebrating successes in the weapons ban zone in Favoriten. The number of advertisements has fallen by about 24 percent since it came into effect at the end of March. There have been 25 reports of violations of the weapons prohibition zone. 26 weapons (19 of which were knives) were withdrawn from circulation. The scheme was due to expire at the end of June and has now been extended by three months. According to the Ministry of the Interior, an expansion beyond this is “very likely”. The neighbors will be happy.
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.
