16-Year-Old Confesses to Two Tobacconist Shop Burglaries in Vienna

Following his arrest, the 16-year-old was taken to a branch office of the Vienna State Criminal Police Office. There, he was interrogated at least regarding the burglaries. Further investigations, particularly into whether he acted alone or with accomplices, are ongoing, according to police.

As the Vienna State Criminal Police Office announced on Sunday, the teenager confessed to both burglaries. The youth is an Afghan national, according to the police press release.

Investigations and Confession

The investigators initially provided no further details regarding the specific stolen goods or the amount of damage caused. There was also no information available at that point on whether the suspect had previously come to police attention.

The Boltzmanngasse Police Inspection was involved in the operation, according to the authorities. The exact sequence of the arrest as well as the background of the 16-year-old are the subject of the ongoing investigations.

The case is now in the hands of the responsible judiciary. As a spokesperson emphasized on Sunday, a swift transmission to the public prosecutor's office can be expected.

Tip from the Public

Tips from the public had contributed significantly to the swift arrest, it was said. Police expressly thanked the attentive witness.

Viennese tobacconist shops have repeatedly been the target of burglary series in recent years. As recently as spring 2025, the Vienna State Criminal Police Office had investigated after a series of tobacconist shop burglaries in the inner-city area.

Background: Tobacconist Shop Burglaries in Vienna

Investigations into the current case are ongoing. Police do not rule out that the suspect could be responsible for further crimes.