Several graves belonging to Roma and Sinti have been desecrated in various cemeteries across Vienna, with jewellery stolen from them, police have confirmed.

The Vienna Provincial Police Directorate stated that unknown perpetrators are being investigated on suspicion of burglary, serious property damage and disturbing the peace of the dead.

Following the incidents, patrols around the affected cemeteries have been stepped up, and footage from video surveillance has been secured. However, according to the state police directorate, work at the crime scenes is proving challenging. At present, there is no information regarding the extent of the damage or any potential suspects.

In response to the news, members of the Roma and Sinti communities, alongside commemoration policy spokesperson Eva Blimlinger and ethnic group spokesperson and Secretary General Olga Voglauer, have expressed their deep shock at the events, particularly given the recent establishment of a national Roma Holocaust Remembrance Day on 2 August in Austria.