The Vorarlberg police will increase their patrols on Halloween, reiterating warnings that acts like vandalism or property damage are punishable offenses. Each reported incident will be pursued,

with cases forwarded to the relevant authorities, and the youth welfare services will also be notified.

Not all pranks that children or teens might consider harmless are within legal boundaries. Throwing eggs at buildings or cars, graffiti on walls or vehicles, and damage to mailboxes or garbage bins all constitute criminal acts. Threatening people who don’t give out sweets is also a criminal offense. The Vorarlberg police emphasize that all offenses will be prosecuted without exception.

Even though children under 14 cannot be prosecuted under criminal law, victims still have the option of filing a civil lawsuit for compensation. Additionally, the relevant youth welfare authorities will be informed.

What Is Permitted When?

The police remind citizens of the Vorarlberg Youth and Child Protection Act, which restricts the nighttime movement of minors. Youths can only be out alone without restrictions starting at 16. For those under 14, curfew times are from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., while those aged 14 and up can stay out until 1:00 a.m. Drinking alcohol, purchasing it, or possessing it is prohibited under 16, and until 18, any beverages may not contain distilled alcohol.

Although there is no ID requirement for Austrian citizens, young people should be able to prove their age if questioned. Smoking, possession, and consumption of tobacco products are prohibited for those under 18.

While no major incidents have occurred in Vorarlberg on Halloween in recent years, the police will continue heightened monitoring efforts this year to ensure public safety. Foto-ami harikoshi, Wikimedia commons.