The unsettling series of acid burglaries in Vienna shows no sign of stopping. Two more cases have now surfaced in Ottakring, and police are urging residents to exercise extreme caution when encountering suspicious liquids near door locks.
On Saturday, a resident of a multi-family building in Degengasse noticed damage and fluid residue on the locks of two apartment doors. Officers from the Rötzergasse police station responded, examined both doors, and confirmed corresponding traces at the locks. Based on current investigative findings, the substance is believed to be nitric acid.
The Vienna State Criminal Police Office has been investigating for months. Unknown perpetrators have been using corrosive acid to force their way into apartments. Between February and April, eight similar cases were reported in Landstraße, Wieden, Favoriten, and Meidling. Two more incidents followed in June in Margareten and Döbling, which investigators suspect can be attributed to the same offenders.
Then, between July 17 and 22, five additional burglaries were recorded in Favoriten. A case with the same modus operandi also occurred in Donaustadt. Now, Ottakring has been added to the list.
Police say the investigation is being pursued at full pressure. Meanwhile, they are issuing a clear warning to the public: if you discover damage and an unknown liquid on your door lock, do not touch it under any circumstances. It could be nitric acid, which can have a corrosive effect on skin, airways, and mucous membranes.
If accidental contact does occur, rinse the affected area immediately with clear water. Do not use soap or other additives. And be sure to call the police emergency line 133 without delay.
