Already high loss

Vending machines cracked: police chase cigarette gang

Cigarettes and cash are stolen from the vending machines.(Bild: Scharinger Daniel)

A gang that is currently up to mischief, particularly in the central region of Lower Austria, seems to have specialized in cracking cigarette vending machines.

At least four cases have now been reported to the police in the districts of Tulln and St. Pölten, and the damage caused is already in the five-figure euro range.

Equipped with a hand welder
The unknown perpetrators always proceed in the same way. Using an electric hand welder they have brought with them, they cut a hole in the vending machine at a specific point, allowing them to open it with a handle. They can then remove the cash and packs of Tchick from inside.

What's more, the clever thieves are likely to time their coups so that they only target fully stocked vending machines. The State Office of Criminal Investigation has now taken over the investigation.