Burglar Duo Caught in Vienna-Leopoldstadt: Suspects Had Showered and Slept in Victim's Bed

Course of the Incident

The emergency services deployed and arrested the 27-year-old outside the apartment. The woman had apparently already left the building, while her alleged accomplice was still inside the premises. According to police, the 38-year-old was apprehended in the apartment.

The arrested 38-year-old is already known to the authorities, according to the Vienna Police, and has been convicted of other offenses in the past. During initial questioning, he claimed to live in the apartment himself, according to police. However, investigators quickly assumed this was a fabricated defense.

Arrest and Investigations

On the orders of the Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office, the 38-year-old was taken into a correctional facility. The 27-year-old Serbian woman is also in police custody. Both suspects are being questioned on suspicion of burglary, among other charges.

Special operations units of the WEGA were also involved in the operation, according to the police press office, because it was initially unclear how many people might be inside the apartment. The situation calmed down, however, after the two suspects were located and arrested.

Security Concerns in Densely Built Neighborhoods

The incident is drawing attention not only because of the unusual audacity of the alleged perpetrators. The fact that the apartment's owner ran into the intruders immediately after entering his apartment also raises questions about the security of ground-floor apartments in densely built Viennese neighborhoods. An open skylight is considered a classic vulnerability in crime prevention.

Police have launched an investigation. It is being examined whether the duo may be responsible for further burglaries in the area. The Vienna Police are accepting tips from the public.