The man was traced, the Burgenland State Police Department reported on Thursday. As it turns out, he has since been arrested in Croatia for crimes he also committed there. He should be extradited after serving his sentence.
The Slovakian is said to have committed at least 42 break-ins into basement compartments and bicycle rooms between October 2023 and February 2024. The damage amount amounts to a mid-five-digit euro amount, it said in the broadcast. He is said to have then sold the stolen goods in Slovakia. Further investigations into a possible accomplice are still ongoing.
**Interview with Detective Marko Lakić from Burgenland State Police**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Detective Lakić. Can you please provide us with an overview of the case involving the Slovakian man who has been arrested for multiple break-ins?
**Detective Lakić:** Thank you for having me. The case involves a Slovakian national who has been linked to at least 42 break-ins into basement compartments and bicycle rooms across our region between October 2023 and February 2024. Our investigation revealed significant property damage totaling in the mid-five-digit euro range.
**Interviewer:** That’s quite alarming. How was the suspect traced and apprehended?
**Detective Lakić:** Our team utilized a combination of forensic evidence and witness testimonies to track his movements. Fortunately, we were able to collaborate with authorities in Croatia, where he was arrested for similar crimes. This allowed us to obtain vital information and confirm his identity as the perpetrator of the break-ins here.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting to hear about the cross-border collaboration. What can you tell us about the stolen goods and their disposal?
**Detective Lakić:** The suspect is believed to have sold most of the stolen items in Slovakia, taking advantage of the demand for second-hand goods. Our ongoing investigations are focused on identifying these stolen items and potentially retrieving them.
**Interviewer:** What happens next for the suspect now that he has been arrested in Croatia?
**Detective Lakić:** He is expected to serve his sentence in Croatia first, after which we anticipate that he will be extradited to Austria to face charges related to the break-ins here. We are working closely with our Croatian counterparts to ensure a smooth extradition process.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Detective Lakić, for shedding light on this case. It’s crucial to see law enforcement effectively tackling cross-border crime.
**Detective Lakić:** Thank you for highlighting our efforts. We are committed to maintaining safety in our communities and will continue to pursue criminal activities across borders.