Crime Statistics: Clearance Rate in Lower Austria Increased

In 2024, 51,015 suspects were identified in Lower Austria. This represented an increase of 2.9 percent compared to 2023 (49,555). According to State Police Director Franz Popp, the proportion of foreign suspects rose to 41.8 percent (2023: 40.4). The most common countries of origin were Romania, Slovakia, and Serbia.

Crime Statistics: Decrease in Property Crimes and Violent Crime in Lower Austria

Contrary to the nationwide trend in crime statistics, the number of property crimes in the largest federal state has decreased. 22,738 recorded cases were 1.2 percent less than in 2023 (23,004). The decrease in residential burglaries was quantified at 9.3 percent on Monday in St. Pölten, with around 47 percent of reported cases remaining attempts. A decrease of 3.4 percent was also recorded in violent crime. 10,878 cases were reported, compared to 11,262 in 2023. In 64.7 percent of the reported offenses, there was an acquaintance relationship, the statistics refer to 7,913 documented perpetrator-victim relationships. Initially, 14 cases of suspected murder with six male and eight female victims were recorded, but after the completion of the respective investigations, only seven were actually classified as murder (two male, five female victims), explained Popp. There was an increase in robbery offenses with 259 reported cases. This corresponded to an increase of 18.8 percent compared to 2023, which had 218 cases.

Fewer Internet Offenses, but More Cybercrime

In line with the general trend in Austria, the number of recorded internet offenses in Lower Austria also decreased in 2024 for the first time since 2015. 9,808 reports were 2.3 percent less than the previous year, which had 10,038. Cybercrime - various types of hacker attacks - experienced an increase of 22.3 percent from 2,060 to 2,520 reports. This is the greatest concern, said Stefan Pfandler, head of the State Criminal Office (LKA) Lower Austria. Drug-related crime increased by 3.8 percent. The number of reports thus increased from 4,175 to 4,333.

Crime Statistics: Increase in Suspects Under 18

It was noted that the number of identified suspects under 18 years old increased from 4,755 to 6,857 (2023: 6,148) in the period from 2014 to 2024. In the age group under ten years, there were 127 suspects (2023: 104). Among the ten to fourteen-year-olds, there were 1,402 compared to 1,259 the previous year, and among the fourteen to eighteen-year-olds, there were 5,328 (2023: 4,785). According to the LKA chief, the most common offenses include property damage, theft, and burglary, as well as bodily harm and negligent bodily harm. The crime statistics show a "positive turnaround," summarized State Police Director Popp. He emphasized that this is not a singular success of the police and referred to the cooperation with the judicial authorities as well as the partnership with the violence protection centers and the association Neustart. Pfandler emphasized that the fight against cybercrime will "certainly be a focus" in 2025 with the newly established investigation area at the LKA.

(APA/Red)

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