Europe's news in English

COPY LINK

CRIME

Albanian asylum-seeker suspect in 55 burglaries

An asylum-seeker from Albania has been arrested by police in Eferding, as the chief suspect in up to 55 separate break-ins. A pair of men were suspected as being involved.

Published: 12 June 2014 17:24 CEST

Albanian asylum-seeker suspect in 55 burglaries

Photo: Flickr/CC

The burglaries took place in Salzburg and Upper Austria over several months from December 2013 until the end of April 2014.

In each case, the perpetrators gained entry by drilling into the wooden frames of windows, earning himself the nickname of "Window Driller."

According to the Upper Austria Nachrichten portal, the perpetrators stole mainly cash, jewelry, cell phones, laptops and tablets. In seven cases, the suspects also stole car keys from the living areas, and then also the corresponding cars that were parked in the garages and carports.

Just before Christmas, the two suspects were almost caught red-handed in Eferding. Police gave chase to the men in their stolen car, but they broke through a fence, dumped the car in a field and made their escape in the darkness.

After intense investigation, the 39-year-old chief suspect was arrested in Eferding, and has been remanded into custody for further questioning in Linz. He denies any involvement in the crimes.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.

Become a Member to leave a comment.

UPDATED: 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 a manager of the shopping centre. The Local reached out to Donau Zentrum media representatives, who confirmed a threat against the centre.

“The Center Management of Westfield Donau Zentrum can confirm a threat against the center and is in ongoing communication with the relevant authorities. We are taking the situation seriously. The safety of everyone in the center is our top priority. After coordination with the authorities, the center will be open as usual today”, they said.

The Vienna police confirmed 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.

Url copied to clipboard!