A man remains at large following a bank robbery Wednesday afternoon in Graz-Andritz, Austria. The suspect entered a financial institution on Stattegger Straße around 3:40 p.m. Local time and threatened multiple employees with what authorities believe was a handgun.
According to police, the man forced the employees to hand over their mobile phones before gaining access to the bank’s tresor and several Schließfächern (safe deposit boxes). He then fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Employees contacted authorities after they lost sight of the suspect. A widespread search was launched immediately, continuing throughout the night, but has so far been unsuccessful, the Steiermark Landespolizeidirektion reported Thursday morning. The suspect reportedly fled to Fuß (on foot). No injuries were reported.
The robbery is the second in Graz in recent weeks, following a similar incident on December 23rd. The recent cases highlight a potential increase in bank robberies in the region, prompting increased security measures.
Police are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with information to come forward. The case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending suspects in rapidly unfolding situations.
