4,600 pyrotechnic objects seized, 350 reports and penal orders for violations of the Pyrotechnics Act, two law enforcement officers injured
Vienna (OTS) – As expected, New Year’s Eve was a challenging operation for the federal police. In addition to taking action against the illegal use of pyrotechnics, the officers were also challenged with regard to the current terrorist situation and the many New Year’s Eve celebrations, some of which were heavily attended. However, due to the operational tactical preparations and the strategic distribution of forces at known hot spots, major incidents were prevented so that the Austrian population was able to celebrate the New Year in safety.
The preliminary police operational balance on New Year’s Eve showed that over 4,600 pyrotechnic items were seized. There were around 350 reports and punishment orders for violations of the Pyrotechnics Act. Two law enforcement officers suffered injuries from pyrotechnics. 55 people were reported injured nationwide.
“New Year’s Eve posed major challenges for the police, rescue and fire services. “I would like to thank the police officers and the thousands of rescue and fire brigade volunteers who were on duty last night,” said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner on January 1, 2024. “Thanks to their professionalism and commitment, all operations could be managed,” emphasized Karner on New Year’s Day.
During the intervention on New Year’s Eve, the main reasons for the operation were noise and reports of pyrotechnics being set off. There were also physical injuries, accidents and fires. Nationwide, there were nine criminal arrests, for example for bodily harm, and a further seven administrative arrests. As of January 1, 2024, 7 a.m., 42 reports of property damage caused by pyrotechnics, eleven reports of negligent bodily harm caused by pyrotechnics and 25 further reports containing suspicion of arson using pyrotechnics were filed. In three different cases, officials from Vienna and Styria reported physical attacks against law enforcement officers who intervened.
In order to prevent serious injuries or deaths due to illegal or faulty pyrotechnics as much as possible, the Federal Police has been focusing on the import of these life-threatening pyrotechnic objects, such as firecrackers or ball bombs, since October. The police managed to seize tens of thousands of illegal pyrotechnic devices. The number of injuries currently reported for New Year’s Eve (no deaths due to pyrotechnics this year) underlines the importance and success of these key actions.
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