Penalties are this high

Weapons are banned on Reumannplatz from Saturday!

(Bild: Klemens Groh, Krone KREATIV)

Following the recent brutal attacks on Reumannplatz in Vienna's Favoriten district, the announced weapons ban zone will come into force next Saturday at 8 am. From then on, not only weapons but also dangerous objects will be banned there. Anyone who contravenes the regulation will be fined 1000 euros.

The zone covers the area between Platz der Kulturen and Reumannplatz. According to the ordinance, dangerous objects are defined as those that are suitable and intended to cause violence against people or property. "This wording does not mean an absolute ban on entering a weapons ban zone with dangerous objects - however, the carrier of such an object must be able to provide a comprehensible and lawful reason for carrying it (e.g. direct exercise of a profession)," the police state.

The prescribed weapons ban zone is valid until June 30, 11:59 pm. Until this time, it applies from Monday to Sunday from midnight to midnight.

The weapons ban zone at a glance(Bild: LPD Wien)

Clothes and bags will be searched
From Saturday, the police may search the clothing and bags of passers-by - provided there is concrete suspicion. Vehicles may also be searched.

Up to 4600 euros fine for repeat offenders
Anyone who disregards the existing weapons ban commits an administrative offense and must expect a fine of up to 1000 euros. In the event of a repeat offense, the fine increases to up to 4600 euros or, alternatively, a prison sentence of up to four weeks.

(Bild: Klemens Groh, Krone KREATIV)

In response to the increased violence on Vienna's streets, Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) is now relying not only on the weapons ban at Reumannplatz but also on increased police presence on the ground. In addition, a new task force has been set up to combat youth crime.