Serial Burglar Struck for Years in Vienna-Hietzing: 600,000 Euro Damage

After intensive investigations by the Vienna State Criminal Police Office, West Branch, in collaboration with the Federal Criminal Police Office, a 49-year-old Romanian national was arrested on October 14. The man is strongly suspected of having committed numerous apartment burglaries in Vienna since 2019. The total known damage amounts to over 600,000 euros.

49-Year-Old Stole Victims' Apartment Keys

The suspect has a criminal record and has no residence in Austria. According to the police, he was mainly active in Vienna-Hietzing and specifically targeted older people – for example, when they were leaving their homes or in front of shops. During conversations, he allegedly stole their apartment keys unnoticed. Subsequently, he broke into the apartments and stole cash, jewelry, and gold coins.

In two cases, there were confrontations with the victims when they surprised the burglar in their apartments. According to the police, it resulted in physical altercations, but there were no injuries.

Search for Further Victims and Witnesses

On Tuesday evening, the man was finally recognized by officers of the Task Force to Combat Street Crime (EGS) in the 15th district of Vienna when he got into a vehicle with another man. The suspect was stopped and arrested.

The 49-year-old is in a correctional facility. The investigations are not yet complete. The police assume that further similar offenses may have been committed. People who have also become victims or witnesses of previously unknown incidents are asked to contact the Vienna police.

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