St. Pölten: suspected of robbery in the park, arrested

A 32-year-old Afghan national was arrested in connection with suspected thefts in the park near Völklplatz in St. Pölten, Austria, following a series of incidents over two days in mid-July. Police confirmed that the suspect, along with a 62-year-old Austrian man, had been drinking alcohol in the green area on the afternoon of July 14. The victim, who could not recall the incident clearly, believed his wallet and mobile phone were stolen by the 32-year-old. When he confronted the accused the next day, the suspect reportedly returned the wallet along with its contents. Further evidence emerged on July 16 when police officers from the St. Pölten-Bahnhof police station arrested the 32-year-old after he allegedly stole a watch from a jewelry store shortly after the incident in the park. During a subsequent personal search, the police found both the stolen watch and the 62-year-old’s mobile phone on the suspect. The sequence of events began on the afternoon of July 14 when the two men were spotted consuming alcoholic drinks in the park. According to police reports, the 62-year-old Austrian and the Afghan suspect were together during this time. The victim later claimed that the 32-year-old had taken his wallet and phone. Although the victim approached the suspect the following day, the latter returned the wallet with all its contents. This act did not immediately clear him of suspicion, however, as further developments occurred just two days later. On July 16, police received information about another theft involving the same suspect. Officers from the St. Pölten-Bahnhof police station responded quickly to a report of a watch being stolen from a local jeweler. They located the suspect shortly after the crime and made an immediate arrest. During the search of the suspect, authorities discovered the stolen watch alongside the 62-year-old Austrian's mobile phone. These findings provided additional weight to the initial allegations against the 32-year-old. During his interrogation, the accused did not admit guilt. He has since been placed under custody at the St. Pölten prison facility on orders from the regional prosecution office. Authorities emphasized that the presumption of innocence applies until proven otherwise. Despite these legal procedures, the investigation continues with a focus on gathering more evidence and confirming the suspect’s involvement in both alleged crimes. The police have called upon the public for assistance in their ongoing inquiry. They are particularly interested in any witnesses or individuals who might have observed the events in the park on July 14. Those with relevant information are urged to contact the city police command in St. Pölten, specifically the criminal division, using the provided telephone number. The department is actively seeking any additional details that could help clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged thefts. The case has drawn attention due to the nature of the alleged crimes and the involvement of multiple suspects. While the 62-year-old Austrian appears to have played a role in the incidents, his exact relationship to the thefts remains unclear. His mobile phone was found with the suspect, raising questions about whether he was complicit or merely a bystander. The police have not ruled out the possibility of collaboration between the two men, though they have not yet established a definitive link beyond the physical evidence recovered. Authorities continue to investigate the case thoroughly, ensuring that all possible leads are explored before making any formal charges. The situation highlights the importance of community cooperation in solving such crimes. As the investigation progresses, officials remain committed to uncovering the truth behind the alleged thefts and bringing those responsible to justice.