Weapons ban zone at Reumannplatz in Vienna-Favoriten is coming

This was announced by the Interior Ministry. The measure comes after several people were injured, some seriously, in knife attacks in the neighborhood the previous week. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) described the measure as a “first step”. The zone, once it comes into effect, will be the third such facility in the federal capital. Similar zones already exist on the Praterstern in Leopoldstadt and the surrounding area as well as on the Danube Canal on parts of Franz-Josefs-Kai, where they have been in force since February 2019.

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A corresponding regulation from the Vienna State Police Department is required. The police are allowed to search people in the zones. If someone is caught, they have to give up their weapons. He also faces an administrative penalty. Anyone who carries weapons or similar objects – such as knives – in the exercise of their profession or on the basis of a permit is exempt from the ban.

“Take decisive action against juvenile crime”

Karner reiterated that the police want to take decisive action against juvenile crime. The weapons ban zone is part of a corresponding “package of measures”. A working group is currently working on ways to reduce criminal responsibility and to enforce consequences and sanctions for perpetrators who are not of criminal responsibility. Furthermore, a legal change for a general ban on weapons – especially knives – in public spaces is being developed. The political leaders primarily want to take knives out of circulation in public spaces.

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“Consistent action against juvenile crime requires measures at various levels,” said the Interior Minister. “A selective weapons ban zone is just a first step. The aim is to ensure efficient powers for the police across the board in order to be able to better remove knives from circulation.”