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More reports: Cybercrime and violent crimes are booming

Reports of domestic violence increased by 8.4 percent(Bild: Evelyn Hronek)

Significantly more reports of internet fraud, assault and theft in Lower Austria. For the seventh time in a row, the police's clearance rate is over 50 percent. 

More than 77,500 offenses were reported in Lower Austria last year. With an increase of 12.9 percent, the rise in overall crime continues. "2023 was a very work-intensive year characterized by numerous challenges," emphasized State Police Director Franz Popp in view of the negative trend.

However, with 49,555 suspects apprehended (11.8% more than in 2022), the law enforcement agency also held its own in terms of the clearance rate of 52.7%.

Cybercrime was the absolute outlier in terms of overall crime in the previous year. With more than 10,000 reports (an increase of 20.9%), cybercrime has increased almost tenfold since 2014. "Almost everyone has been confronted with various scams," says Stefan Pfandler, Head of the State Office of Criminal Investigation. Whether by email or text message - no one is immune anymore. "This is where the biggest opportunities for fraudsters lie. The business model has successfully established itself," says Pfandler.

However, violent crimes such as murder, robbery, assault and rape also reached an all-time high in the last ten years, with around 11,300 reports and an increase of 14.4 percent. Property crimes such as burglary were even higher than the pre-corona level with an increase of 20.7%.