Pensioner in chairlift scares off would-be burglars

A plucky 84-year-old woman from Upper Austria chased off two men who were attempting to rob her home.

Published: 10 October 2016 09:25 CEST

Pensioner in chairlift scares off would-be burglars

Photo: Paul Gillingwater

According to a report in the Krone newspaper the pair broke into her house in Frankenmarkt, in the district of Vöcklabruck, by smashing a window pane at around 9.30pm.

She heard noises from the ground floor and came down the stairs in her chairlift with a flashlight. She surprised the two men, who escaped through the broken window and ran off.

A 34-year-old Tunisian man and a 21-year-old Moroccan man, both reportedly asylum seekers, were arrested shortly afterwards. The older man’s hands were cut and bleeding from the broken window pane.

Police said the pensioner was shocked but unharmed.

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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