Graffiti series in the Salzkammergut: 20-year-old admits 33 acts!

Graffiti series in the Salzkammergut: 20-year-old admits 33 acts!

A 20-year-old from Vöcklabruck is the focus of a graffiti series that caused numerous damage between January 2024 and May 2025 in the Salzkammergut. The man is accused of having committed serious property damage in over 30 cases, whereby he, among other things, sprayed newly built retention basins on the A1 as well as traffic signs and public toilet facilities in Mondsee, St. Gilgen and Scharnstein. According to tips.at, the accused was largely ensured during a house search that were connected with the crimes.

The increasing presence of graffiti and street art in public space is a controversial topic. Bundeskriminalamt.at indicates that more and more such art form is recognized during the artistic added value of such art forms when foreign property is damaged. The majority of the Austrians are open to legal graffiti projects, but the number of unreported cases of those who suffer from illegal spraying is considered high.

The dimension of the problem

The punishments for such offenses can be considerable. For severe property damage, as the 20-year-old is accused, the penalties in accordance with Section 125 and Section 126 of the Criminal Code are between six months and five years. Security experts also emphasize how important it is to educate children about the consequences of vandalism and to take preventive measures such as lighting and video surveillance.

legal alternatives and artistic freedom

In order to counter the problem of illegal graffiti, many cities offer legal areas to spray. Websites such as spraycity.at and Wienerwand.at provide information about these areas in Vienna and other cities. These initiatives should give artists the opportunity to be creative without exceeding legal limits.

The 20-year-old's case shows how important it is to distinguish between legal art and vandalism. On his homepage there is further information on the legal questions about graffiti that might be interested in both artists and the public. While graffiti and street art are estimated as an expression of creativity and individuality, the rights of the owners must be respected at the same time.