Preventing Theft and Burglary in Austria: Official Tips and What to Do in 2026

Burglars and thieves usually look for easy targets. Good locks, careful habits and a little cooperation with neighbours can help reduce the risk. This guide explains what to watch for at home, on the street and in your car, and what to do if a theft occurs.

When and how do burglars break into homes?

Burglars tend to choose quiet residential areas. They may observe buildings and residents’ routines in advance.

Common entry points include patio doors and windows at the rear of a house. Popular targets include jewellery, cash, bank cards, coin collections and valuable watches.

Warning signs may include markings around a property, sometimes known as “Gaunerzinken”. It is worth paying attention to these signs.

How to protect your home

Both mechanical and electronic security measures are important. Key general recommendations include:

• Use high-quality locks and lock cylinders (Schließzylinder).
• Protect patio doors with burglar-resistant roller shutters or scissor grilles.
• Keep windows, patio doors and balcony doors closed at all times.
• Do not hide keys under the doormat or a flowerpot.
• Do not leave ladders or boxes outside.
• Use continuous outdoor lighting where possible, preferably with motion sensors.
• Store valuables in a keyless safe, ideally with an electronic combination lock.

For doors: when building new or renovating, use a burglar-resistant door complying with Ö-Norm B5338, with at least resistance class 3 (WK 3) and a multi-point locking system. The lock cylinder should be protected by a security fitting and should be resistant to drilling, lock picking and snapping.

For windows: burglar-resistant window elements, lockable window handles and at least triple-layer laminated safety glass are recommended. Roof windows should be protected in the same way as ground-floor windows.

What to do when you are away for a longer period

The most important thing is not to make it obvious that nobody is at home:

• Have the letterbox emptied and remove leaflets.
• Use timer-controlled lights in the evening.
• Give a key to a trusted person or rent a bank safe.
• Arrange for snow to be cleared in winter.

It is useful to create an inventory of your valuables. Photograph jewellery and works of art, and record the serial numbers of devices. Always store a savings book and its password separately.

Preventing theft of cars, bicycles and skis

A professional thief may need ten, or at most twenty, seconds to steal a car.

Car

• Always lock the car, including when refuelling.
• Do not leave the engine running.
• Do not leave documents, valuables or a spare key inside.
• Have an alarm installed only by a specialist workshop.

Bicycle

• Lock it to a permanently fixed object, preferably with a U-lock or an armoured cable lock.
• Record the frame number.
• For an electric bicycle, lock the battery or take it with you.

Skis

• Record the serial number.
• Store skis in a locked ski storage room.
• Leave each pair separately.

Pickpocketing and phone theft

Pickpockets often work in groups and may have a well-groomed appearance. Crowded places are particularly risky, including events, markets, shopping centres, escalators and public transport.

Typical tricks include pushing someone, spilling something on their clothing or dropping a wallet. When another person tries to help pick it up, the thief may steal from them.

Always protect your phone with a PIN and store the IMEI number, the 15-digit device number, separately. You can display it by entering *#06#. After a theft, report it immediately and have the device blocked by your service provider.

What to do after a theft and how much it costs

You can report a theft at any police station. For an online report, you need ID Austria and a valid Austrian registered address (Meldezettel). The offender must be unknown, you must be the victim, and the offence must have occurred in Austria.

• Reporting a theft: free
• Confirmation of the report: 21 euros
• Confirmation addressed to an authority or insurance company: free
• Duplicate card-format vehicle registration document: 31.10 euros
• New number plate for a passenger car: 23 euros

A confirmation temporarily replaces stolen documents: a driving licence for up to four weeks, and the vehicle registration document and number plate, with a temporary plate, for up to one week and only within Austria.

Theft also has legal consequences. In the basic case, it is punishable by up to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of up to 360 daily rates.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a deadline for reporting a theft?

Generally, there is no deadline. The exception includes an identity card, passport, driving licence, vehicle registration document, number plate, firearm or explosive. These must be reported without delay.

What should I do if my identity card is stolen abroad?

Report it to the local police. After the report, the Austrian representation can issue a temporary passport (Notpass) for the journey home. A further report must be made to the Austrian police after returning home.

Does a stolen bank card count as theft?

Not legally. It is a separate criminal offence involving misuse of a cash-substitute payment instrument.

Do I always need to request confirmation of the report?

Request it when you need it, for example for a duplicate document or for driving, because it is subject to a fee.

Practical steps

1. Check the locks, windows, patio doors and outdoor lighting around your home.
2. Record serial numbers, photograph valuables and store the inventory securely.
3. Before travelling, arrange for the letterbox, leaflets, lighting and snow removal to be handled.
4. Lock cars, bicycles and skis properly, and keep documents and valuables out of sight.
5. Protect your phone with a PIN and record its IMEI number.
6. After a theft, contact the police immediately, notify your bank or service provider where relevant, and request confirmation only if you need it.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at

This article is based on information available online and does not constitute advice. Use it at your own responsibility. If you need professional guidance, contact a lawyer, legal professional or another relevant specialist.