Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig has called for more video surveillance across the city to help prevent crime.

“Wherever incidents are recorded, video surveillance can support the work of the Vienna police,” Ludwig (SPÖ) stated in an interview with ORF, while emphasising that such surveillance need not be permanent.

The mayor stressed that an expansion of the existing system would aid in solving crimes and ensure that drug offenders do not relocate to neighbouring areas.

Earlier this month, Ludwig proposed an increase in the number of police officers in Vienna.

Vienna’s Chief of Police, Gerhard Pürstl, highlighted that the police already employ temporary video surveillance in crime hotspots. However, he noted that it is necessary to legally verify “where to use video surveillance” on each occasion.

Ludwig expressed support for his deputy mayor, Christoph Wiederkehr (NEOS), who proposed that young offenders under 14 years of age should be required to complete mandatory disciplinary programmes.

“It must be made clear that the full rigour of the law will be applied when young people overstep these boundaries,” the mayor stated.