Handcuffs clicked

ATM burglar caught after chase

A helicopter was also used in the manhunt.

(Bild: Pressefoto Scharinger © Daniel Scharinger)

The investigation into the break-in at a Postpartner branch in Draßburg in the district of Mattersburg is in full swing. As reported, a manhunt was launched on the A2 on Monday. One perpetrator caused an accident as a wrong-way driver. His accomplice was able to escape and was later arrested in the Czech Republic.

The burglars were particularly brazen in Draßburg in Burgenland. They had already broken into the building yard on Sunday night to steal tools such as an angle grinder and batteries. The theft was discovered and reported on Sunday afternoon. Less than 24 hours later, the same perpetrators presumably returned to the municipality. Using a stolen recovery kit from the fire department, they forced their way into the branch of the postal partner. There they broke into the cash machine. It is still unclear how big the loot was. 

The burglars broke into the ATM at the Postpartner branch in Draßburg.

(Bild: Privat)

Burglars as ghost drivers
A manhunt was launched on Monday afternoon. In addition to a large contingent of officers, a helicopter from the Ministry of the Interior was also deployed. The burglars drove onto the A2 near Wöllersdorf in Lower Austria. A short time later, the chase led to a collision with a police car after the perpetrators were driving in the wrong direction. One of the two suspects was arrested. He is a 35-year-old Austrian. After questioning, he is expected to be taken to Eisenstadt prison. Both vehicles were severely damaged in the accident and one police officer sustained injuries. 

Second offender arrested in the Czech Republic
The accomplice managed to escape. He stole a vehicle near the highway. This car was discovered in the early afternoon near Drasenhofen in Lower Austria. After the driver had broken through three roadblocks, he sped across the border into the Czech Republic. As his car was demolished, he made off on foot.

The escape ended on a company site, where the wanted perpetrator is believed to have jumped off a roof and seriously injured himself in a fall. The 47-year-old was arrested with the cooperation of the Austrian and Czech police. He is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital, according to the authorities. "Both suspects are Austrian citizens with a migration background," it said.