Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria has relatively low crime rates compared to other countries, but it has been the target of foreign criminals, with 64% of drug-related offenses committed by those born abroad. The country has experienced several terrorist attacks in recent years, and issues with human trafficking and smuggling, with both foreign and local actors involved. While the country's crime rate has been declining since 2018, intentional homicide statistics for 2021 show a slight increase from the previous year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Crime Rate in 2021 | 0.73 |
| Crime Rate in 2020 | 0.73 |
| Crime Rate in 2019 | 0.87 |
| Crime Rate in 2018 | 0.97 |
| Homicide Rate in 2023 | 0.9/100,000 population |
| Homicide Rate in 2022 | 0.9/100,000 population |
| Homicide Rate in 2021 | 0.895/100,000 population |
| Foreign Criminals Involvement in Drug-Related Offences | 64% |
| Human Trafficking | Majority of victims are foreign women |
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What You'll Learn
Austria's crime rate in 2021
Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare. In 2021, the Austria crime rate was 0.73, a 0.16% decline from 2020. The intentional homicide rate in 2017 was 0.61 per 100,000 people, one of the lowest rates in the world. The robbery rate in 2018 was 26.9 cases per 100,000 people, a significant drop from 58.4 cases per 100,000 in 2004. The majority of crimes in Austria are minor, including break-ins, pickpocketing, petty theft, vandalism, and drug offenses.
Gun-related crimes are low compared to other European countries, but there are occasional reports of unlawfully acquired firearms. Austria has a well-regulated firearms and ammunition manufacturing industry. However, the country has seen a rise in the smuggling of counterfeit goods, including pharmaceutical products.
Austria is a destination and transit country for human trafficking, with most victims being foreign women targeted for sexual exploitation. Labor exploitation also occurs in various sectors, such as agriculture, construction, catering, and domestic work. Child trafficking affects Austria as well. The country's laws protect its flora and fauna, and while there is little evidence of illegal logging within Austria, it is a destination for illegal timber from neighboring countries.
Cybercrime is an emerging issue in Austria, as it is globally, and it is important for individuals to maintain strong passwords and be aware of potential scams.
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Human trafficking and smuggling
Austria is a transit and destination country for human trafficking and smuggling. The country is affected by human trafficking due to its central location in Europe. The most common forms of human trafficking in Austria are sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, and child trafficking. Victims of human trafficking in Austria often come from less affluent EU or third countries and face issues such as dysfunctional families, domestic violence, low levels of education, unemployment, and the desire for a better life.
Austria has taken steps to combat human trafficking and smuggling by signing and implementing relevant international legal instruments, such as the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The country has also established a National Anti-Trafficking Task Force, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which includes representatives from various government ministries, provincial governments, NGOs, and civil society. This task force is responsible for elaborating and monitoring the implementation of National Action Plans on Combating Human Trafficking, with the current plan covering 2024-2027.
To address the issue of child trafficking, Austria has set up a separate working group within the Task Force on Human Trafficking. This working group has prepared several reports on child trafficking and focuses on addressing the complex factors that contribute to this issue, such as poverty, low levels of education, family violence, and a lack of social support.
The Austrian government has also taken steps to address labour exploitation, with a working group chaired by the Federal Ministry for Labor, Social Affairs, and Consumer Protection. Additionally, the government monitors labour recruitment companies and has implemented regulations to prevent the exploitation of workers, including prohibiting recruitment fees charged to employees. The government has also signed bilateral labour agreements with India and the Philippines, which include provisions for migrant worker protection and the prevention of human trafficking.
In terms of law enforcement, Austria has increased training for police, prosecutors, judges, and other officials to better identify and protect victims of human trafficking. The government has also cooperated with international law enforcement entities and coordinated investigations with neighbouring countries. The Federal Crime Office's Joint Operational Office for Combating Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking (JOO) leads the government's efforts in investigating trafficking crimes.
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Intentional homicides
Austria has a relatively low crime rate compared to other countries. In 2017, the country's intentional homicide rate was 0.61 per 100,000 population, making it one of the lowest rates in the world. There were a total of 54 intentional homicides recorded in Austria that year. This rate represents a significant decrease from the previous year, when the rate was 0.9 cases per 100,000 population.
Intentional homicide is defined as the unlawful death purposefully inflicted on a person by another person. It is a broad category that includes murder, which is a narrower term that specifically refers to the unlawful killing of one human being by another. Homicide can also include manslaughter, infanticide, assisted suicide, euthanasia, and deaths caused by dangerous driving, depending on the legal definitions in different countries.
The low rate of intentional homicides in Austria can be attributed to the country's well-developed institutional and legal system. Austria has a range of law enforcement agencies that combat crime, and most corruption cases are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. However, it is important to note that crime statistics may not always accurately reflect the actual prevalence of crime. They can often be better indicators of the strength of law enforcement and the willingness of people to report crimes.
While Austria's overall crime rate is relatively low, the country has been targeted by foreign criminals, particularly in drug-related offenses and human trafficking. According to statistics, 64% of drug-related crimes in Austria are committed by individuals born abroad. Additionally, Austria is a significant transit and destination country for human smuggling, with both foreign and local actors involved. This has led to an increase in protection racketeering, especially among foreign criminal networks.
To address these issues, Austria has implemented strategies, measures, resource allocation, and programs aimed at inhibiting organized crime. However, long processing times for asylum applications and the inability of asylum seekers to work legally make them vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking. Despite these challenges, Austria remains committed to combating crime through its various law enforcement agencies and institutional frameworks.
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Drug-related offences
Austria has a relatively low crime rate compared to other European countries, but drug-related offenses have been a significant concern for the Austrian authorities in recent years. Drug-related crimes are a specific area of focus, with efforts to tackle this issue through a range of strategies.
Drug offenses in Austria are primarily related to cannabis, amphetamines, cocaine, and opioids. According to the Austrian Criminal Code, drug-related crimes can be categorized into several groups, including drug possession, drug dealing, and the operation of a drug ring. Drug possession for personal use is typically treated as a misdemeanor and may result in a fine or a prison sentence of up to six months. However, possession of larger quantities or trafficking can lead to more severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.
The Austrian government has implemented various measures to address drug-related crimes. This includes prevention programs aimed at young people, as well as treatment and rehabilitation initiatives for drug offenders. Law enforcement agencies also conduct regular drug raids and work closely with international partners to disrupt drug trafficking networks. These efforts have led to significant drug seizures and the dismantling of several organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking.
In recent years, there has been a particular focus on tackling drug-related crimes in night-time entertainment venues and festivals. The Austrian police have conducted extensive drug checks at these locations, utilizing drug-sniffing dogs and thorough searches. These measures aim to deter drug use and trafficking in these settings and have resulted in numerous arrests and drug confiscations. Additionally, the Austrian authorities have been actively addressing the issue of drug tourism, particularly in border regions, where individuals from neighboring countries may cross over to purchase or consume drugs.
Overall, while Austria has a relatively low crime rate, drug-related offenses remain a key area of focus for the country's law enforcement and government. Through a combination of prevention, treatment, and enforcement strategies, Austria continues to work towards reducing the prevalence of drug crimes and promoting public safety. These efforts are part of a comprehensive approach to addressing drug-related issues and contributing to a safer society.
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Terrorist attacks
Austria has experienced several terrorist attacks in recent years. On November 2, 2020, a 20-year-old Austrian-Macedonian gunman with ties to ISIS went on a rampage in Vienna, killing four people and wounding 23 others before being shot dead by the police. This attack targeted the city's oldest church, St Ruprecht's, and its main synagogue, the Stadttempl. Fourteen accomplices were convicted in connection with the attack, four of whom received long prison sentences. In the aftermath, Austria proposed expanding counterterrorism cooperation with the EU and implemented controversial anti-terror laws that increased surveillance and introduced new offences for "religiously motivated" crimes.
Austria is a member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and actively participates in counterterrorism efforts. Its law enforcement agencies focus on intelligence gathering, investigations, and information sharing with international partners. Austrian border security employs biographic and biometric screening at ports of entry, contributing to effective security measures.
Despite these efforts, Austria remains a target for foreign criminals and terrorist organizations. In November, raids were conducted against 229 prison inmates charged with terrorism or "radicalization," and 60 sites associated with extremist groups were searched, leading to arrests and the closure of two Islamic centers promoting radicalization. Human smuggling and trafficking, particularly of women and children, are prevalent issues, with both foreign and local actors involved. Austrian nationals have also been recruited by transnational criminal organizations for their illegal activities within the country.
To combat these threats, Austria has a comprehensive legal framework. Relevant statutes criminalize training in terrorist camps abroad and allow wiretapping with judicial authorization. Regulations prohibit the use and distribution of symbols associated with designated terrorist organizations. Additionally, border authorities are empowered to prevent minors from leaving the country if they are suspected of intending to participate in fighting activities abroad.
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Frequently asked questions
The crime rate in Austria has been declining over the years. The crime rate in 2021 was 0.73, a 0.16% decline from 2020.
There have been several terrorist attacks in Austria in recent years. Drug-related offenses are also common, with 64% committed by criminals born abroad. British thieves and confidence tricksters have also targeted the country due to its relatively low crime rates.
Yes, human trafficking is a significant issue in Austria, which serves as both a transit and destination country for this criminal market. The majority of victims are foreign women targeted for sexual trafficking, with Eastern European and Nigerian mafias predominantly involved. Child trafficking also affects Austria.
