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CRIME

Armed robber captured with cash from hotel

In the early hours of Christmas morning, a man armed with a replica gun held up the staff at a hotel near Mariahilferstrasse in Vienna, and made off with the contents of the cash box.

Published: 27 December 2014 11:38 CET
Armed robber captured with cash from hotel
The replica used in the robbery - "Officer 8" by JG Schrödel. Photo: Police

According to a report in the news daily Oesterreich, the man, who was wearing a balaclava and armed with a replica pistol, stormed into the lobby of the Beethoven hotel in Papagenogasse, and threatened employees with the gun.

He demanded money, and fled with the hotel's cash in the direction of the Getreidemarkt.  The cashier was able to quickly call the police, and gave them an accurate description.

According to police spokesman Patrick Maierhofer, a 34-year-old suspect was arrested a short time after the robbery, when a policeman spotted the man in the Operngasse near the Albertina.

The German suspect was found carrying the replica weapon, as well as a balaclava and a large sum of money.  When initially questioned about his motive for the robbery, he told police he needed the money.

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CRIME

Vienna police investigating possible ‘threat’ to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Viennese police have confirmed they are investigating a possible - and unspecified - threat to the popular shopping centre in the city's 22nd district.

Published: 29 April 2024 17:32 CEST
Vienna police investigating possible 'threat' to Donau Zentrum shopping centre

The Vienna police confirmed they are investigating a non-specified threat to the Donau Zentrum shopping centre, located in the Austrian capital’s 22nd district, a spokesperson told The Local. 

On Monday, pictures of an alleged internal document sent by the shopping centre to tenants circulated on social media and messaging apps. The document stated there was a “threat against the Westfield Donau Zentrum for April 30, 2024”. It stated that the authorities had been working to identify suspects since yesterday.

“The source of the threat is a photo circulating online”, the statement said without giving further details. “If we receive additional information or specifications, we will immediately inform you”, it added.

“There is currently no reason for you as an employee to worry as we are strictly following police guidelines”, the document said. It was signed by Petra Prissnitz, deputy centre manager. The Local reached out to Donau Zentrum media representatives but did not receive any response.

The Vienna police did confirm the veracity of the statement and added, “We are aware of the matter and are investigating”, they replied after an inquiry on their official social media channels. The Local reached out to the press office for further clarification, but has not yet received a response.

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