VIENNA – In a major police operation, five women were arrested in Vienna on Tuesday for following and attempting to rob people who had just withdrawn money from banks. The arrests came after a key tip from Salzburg and days of police surveillance, reported by Heute.
The suspects, aged between 18 and 57, are from the Netherlands and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Police believe they were working together as a professional gang involved in what is called “bank-following crimes.” In these types of crimes, thieves pick a victim inside or near a bank, then secretly follow them, sometimes for hours, waiting for the right moment to steal the cash.
The Vienna Street Crime Task Force (EGS), working with Salzburg’s State Criminal Police Office, had been watching the group since Monday. Officers noticed the women moving in a planned and organized way. Each one had a role — whether keeping lookout, following victims, or attempting the theft.
The arrests happened in the Meidling district, near Niederhofstraße. Police moved in after seeing the suspects try to steal money from a woman as she was boarding a city bus. The woman had just withdrawn cash from a bank.
Three of the suspects were taken to a detention center after the Vienna public prosecutor gave approval. One of them, a 44-year-old woman, already had a warrant out for similar crimes. The youngest suspect, aged 18, and the oldest, 57, were released but will still face charges.
The case is now being handled by the Southern Division of Vienna’s State Criminal Police, who will continue investigating the group’s activities. Officers believe the women may have been involved in other similar crimes in recent weeks.
Police are reminding the public to be cautious after leaving banks, especially if carrying large amounts of cash.
