Daytime burglaries surge in Upper Austria’s Gusental region
Police in Upper Austria are investigating a wave of daytime burglaries across the Gusental area, including incidents in Schweinbach, Engerwitzdorf (Linzerberg), Gallneukirchen, Katsdorf and Alberndorf. The break‑ins have occurred between 8 a.m. and noon, a shift from the usual evening attempts. In one case a suspect tried to force a terrace door at 9 a.m.; the homeowner confronted him, saying, "Als ich den Vorhang öffnete, stand er direkt vor mir und flüchtete sofort." The suspect was described as a 30‑ to 40‑year‑old man with a "southern‑European" appearance, but no evidence was found at the scene and damage was limited.
Mayor Christoph Meisinger (ÖVP) visited the local police station, stating that the incidents appear to be the work of opportunistic thieves and that there is no cause for panic. He announced a joint prevention event in Engerwitzdorf, saying, "Wir planen eine Präventionsveranstaltung in Engerwitzdorf, gemeinsam mit der Polizei." Police have asked residents to keep windows and terrace doors locked even when stepping out briefly, and to report any suspicious vehicles in residential areas via WhatsApp to the regional criminal office.