Youth crime is rising fast in Austria, especially in big cities like Vienna, and it’s starting to worry many people. Some children, even under the age of 14, have already committed hundreds of crimes, including theft and vandalism. Because they are not yet old enough to be held legally responsible, many of them avoid serious punishment.
Recent police reports show that the number of crimes committed by kids aged 10 to 14 has nearly doubled since 2020. Almost half of these young suspects are foreign nationals, with a noticeable increase in Syrian teens involved. In just one year, crimes involving Syrian suspects in this age group went up by nearly 35 percent.
To fight this growing problem, Austria’s Federal Criminal Police Office has created a Youth Crime Task Force. Its leader, Dieter Csefan, says that many of these kids are “intensive offenders”—young people who commit crimes often and with increasing seriousness. In Vienna alone, police have identified over 220 such offenders, and 30 to 40 of them have committed more than 50 crimes each year.
A recent radio report from Helmut-Zilk Park in the Favoriten district of Vienna shared stories from teens who see the gangs up close. Two girls, aged 15 and 16, said trouble starts after 4 p.m. Some gang members are friendly, but others cause fights. One of the girls even saw someone get attacked while bystanders filmed it.
Officials like Csefan say stronger teamwork is needed between schools, child services, and police. He supports special centers where high-risk youth can get structure and guidance.
Christian Reiner from “Save the Child” believes young people need role models and positive experiences—not just punishment. He suggests Austria look at Switzerland’s approach, where troubled teens live in safe, school-like environments and learn life skills to help them change.
