Convicted Interviewed: How Burglars in Austria Choose Their Victims

For burglars, low resistance is more important - whether they are opportunists or professionals. "Old buildings are popular, old locks, double doors," explains KFV chief legal officer Armin Kaltenegger at a press conference on Tuesday. Less attractive are "new buildings, renovated objects, alarm systems, and the visible presence of dogs."

Study Shows Preferences in Burglaries in Austria

When it comes to stolen goods, it should be quick and easy. Those who break in prefer cash, jewelry, and small electronic devices. There is less need to worry about bulky items like televisions. Incidentally, the weakest hiding place is the bedside table.

The good news: According to KFV, home burglaries are decreasing. A total of 64,000 burglaries were reported in Austria last year, around 7,000 of them in residential areas. Lower floors are particularly popular, says Kaltenegger. The board therefore recommends security glass and alarm systems that do not need to be deactivated. A tilted window, on the other hand, is "a gift" for the perpetrators. Burglars are usually active in the morning when homes are empty. But even for short trips out of the house, it is important to lock all doors and windows tightly - including the basement. The current trend shows "fewer home burglaries, more basement burglaries."

Security Tips Against Burglars

Some professionals spy on their victims for weeks. To avoid arousing suspicion, it helps to control lights with timers and not to keep curtains closed during the day. Longer absences should only be communicated to close confidants who ideally empty the mailbox.

In addition to technical precautions, a watchful environment also deters, says criminologist Günter Stummvoll. So if a perpetrator feels "that people here look out for each other." However, if a burglar is caught in the act, experts advise against confronting them. Instead, the police should be called and informed about personal characteristics, the time of the crime, and the direction of escape.

For the study, open, voluntary interviews were conducted with 32 burglars in seven Austrian prisons from November 2024 to January 2025. Court files were analyzed and criminologists were interviewed.

(APA/Red.)

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