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CRIME

‘Animal welfare’ man made off with €100,000

A 41-year-old man from Steyr, Upper Austria, allegedly exploited two gullible animal lovers by pretending to be collecting for an animal welfare organization and fleecing them of more than €100,000.

Published: 2 September 2014 10:19 CEST
'Animal welfare' man made off with €100,000
50 euro notes. Photo: APA

Police are now investigating the man, and whether all the allegations are true.

He managed to gain the trust of an 89-year-old woman and her 65-year-old son, living in Linz. They claim he persuaded them to make 30 cash withdrawals from their savings accounts and hand over the money to him.

The pair knew nothing about him other than his first name, and that he lived in Steyr.

Police arrested the man after his victims recognized him and he confessed to taking some money from them. He is currently in Linz prison.

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CRIME

UPDATED: 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
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.

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