It is the thorn in the side of Vienna’s favourites: Keplerplatz. Crime has shifted here from Reumannplatz. The despair of the residents is great. The “Krone” got an idea on the spot.
Keplerplatz is certainly not one of the prettiest corners of Vienna. Violent scenes, police actions and riots have been the order of the day for years. However, since video cameras were installed on Reumannplatz last year, things have only gotten worse.
The “Krone” was there and addressed the troubled residents. “15 years ago I bought an apartment with a balcony directly on Keplerplatz, which was a mistake,” says Hans Berger. He is kept awake late into the night by the noise of the drunks. “Even the police don’t come when I call them,” complains the pensioner.
‘Shrubs in the park are being abused as public toilets’
In addition to the nuisance of alcohol and drugs, there was also the stench. “The bushes in the park are being misused as public toilets,” says the resident. Originally he wanted to rent the apartment, but no chance. He himself has often considered leaving. “This is not beautiful Vienna,” Berger says. A ban on alcohol and video cameras would be a first step for him.
Ilhan Inaslan also lives nearby. “I have to come here to shop, but it’s not pleasant,” says the 60-year-old. Drugs are constantly being offered to him. “We are used to the noise,” says Hilde S. She witnesses rescue and police operations almost every day.
Geographic shift of crimes
The police also noted a deterioration of the situation on the ground: “Since the surveillance of Reumannplatz, a shift of criminal offenses to Keplerplatz has been noted. The local police station patrols this area daily.”
Mahrer: ‘Calling more police is the wrong answer’
The ÖVP insists on solutions. “It is not relevant to fight the symptoms, but to question the causes. ‘Viennese’ have become increasingly rare in Favoriten over the past 20 years and parallel societies of individual ethnic groups have formed. Calling for more police now is the wrong answer, it is important to get to the root of the problem,” said state party chairman Karl Mahrer.
In any case, it is clear that the quality of life at Keplerplatz will suffer greatly.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
