The Series Continues

After Acid Attack, Couple Had to “Flee Their Apartment”

Furniture, tiles, and the door lock were severely damaged.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/zVg, Stefan Steinkogler)

The series of break-ins involving corrosive and toxic nitric acid continues unabated. In addition to apartments in Brigittenau and Favoriten, a couple’s home in Vienna’s Landstraße district was also targeted. The “Krone” visited the two burglary victims, who have so far been unwilling to spend another night in their own home.

For years, the Weißgerberviertel neighborhood in Vienna’s Landstraße district has been a particular favorite among acid burglars. No wonder, since many wealthy diplomats, politicians, and pilots live in this quiet neighborhood, which is nestled along the Danube Canal. In the early hours of last Wednesday, it happened again: In addition to various apartments along the Brigittenauer Lände and in Favoriten, a two-person team from the Georgian burglary gang struck again in the 3rd District.

That house in the background is believed to be the acid burglars’ most recent target.(Bild: zVg, Krone KREATIV)

The neighbors’ peepholes had also been taped shut for the crime
A makeshift door and a pungent odor led the “Krone” to the crime scene on Monday. “We were in Lower Austria at the time the crime took place,” says Verena (name changed), pointing to the severe chemical burns on the tile floor and furniture in the entryway.

Furniture, tiles, and the door lock were severely damaged.(Bild: Krone KREATIV/zVg, Stefan Steinkogler)

The original front door lies unhinged in the stairwell—caustic and toxic nitric acid is still leaking from the locks. The peephole, like those of the neighbors, was covered up by the burglars at the start of the break-in.

Instead of the front door, Verena and her husband now have a makeshift solution.(Bild: Stefan Steinkogler)

The traces of the acid break-in are still clearly visible.(Bild: zVg)

Several arrests in recent weeks
The burglars were unusually active during the vacation season: as reported, dozens of apartments were targeted as early as July and August, while tenants and owners were away on vacation.

But the investigators’ net is closing in, as two recent incidents have shown. Some of the Georgian suspects were already arrested in Valencia and Zaragoza over the summer; last week, following a botched break-in on Landstraßer Hafengasse—during which the perpetrators were observed—two of the burglars were handcuffed on the highway heading toward Bratislava.  

As in more than 150 apartments before, the criminals took only cash and gold coins in the latest case in the Weißgerberviertel neighborhood. “And cheap costume jewelry,” Verena says, shaking her head. The couple fled again: “We just don’t feel safe in the apartment anymore!” Especially with the flimsy replacement door.

Surveillance footage is being analyzed
Wiener Wohnen stated that a new door wouldn’t arrive for another eight to twelve weeks. Verena and her husband are desperately hoping it will happen sooner. Meanwhile, the police are investigating. Perhaps the secured camera footage can help.