Vienna favorites: spirals of violence despite the weapons ban on Reumannplatz!

Vienna favorites: spirals of violence despite the weapons ban on Reumannplatz!

At the pulsating Reumannplatz in Vienna favorites, the introduction of a prohibition of weapons has caused plenty of discussions. Right at the beginning of 2024, this measure came into force to act against increasing youth crime. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner evaluates this weapon lock as a "first step" in the fight against the increasing number of criminal acts, which are often based on young perpetrators. Since the entry into force, 187 weapons have been confiscated, including 131 knives, such as the Kurier

The decision for this prohibition of weapons was not made lightly. The background is several serious incidents, some of which led to significant injuries to uninvolved. For example, on June 16, a knife attack on the Reumannplatz had to lead to an emergency aid for three injuries. The suspect Syrians, between 16 and 24 years old, further fueled the concerns of the residents and the police. Politicians have also dealt with this incidents and led to a draft law for a nationwide weapon ban and a reduction in penalty, such as Puls24 informed.

security situation at Reumannplatz under observation

Despite the efforts and the introduction of the weapon ban zone, the youth crime has increased in Vienna. Interior Minister Karner points out that an increase in the federal capital has a number of nine percent, while youth crime in Austria could be reduced by a total of five percent. Earlier focus campaigns have already led to 2,470 ads and 147 arrests of minors, which underlines the need for action. An eye should also be thrown on social media, since they often act as a catalyst for acts of violence, such as the Federal Ministry of Interior

The security situation on Reumannplatz remains tense. Due to the frequent and often brutal attacks by young perpetrators, the place was brought into focus. Again and again violent clashes between different youth gangs give cause for concern. In order to counteract this spiral, a special group of operations to combat youth crime was launched in March 2023. This group works together with the police in civil and uniform to meet the challenges of the root.

Future view and challenges

Another step to combat youth crime could be the planned draft law, which also includes the establishment of police containers on Reumannplatz to the permanent presence of the security forces. This strengthening of the police presence was also stimulated by district chief Marcus Franz, who expressed concerns about information policy.

The discussion about the effectiveness of weapons ban zones shows different opinions. Critics criticize that personal controls should be possible without such zones and that the introduction of such prohibitions may only lead to a shift in the problem areas. Nevertheless, Karner sees the introduction of the prohibition of weapons as an important first step to increase security in Vienna and to take effective measures in the fight against youth crime.