A concerning trend has emerged in Vienna, where a group of unsupervised teens, primarily from immigrant backgrounds, has been linked to a series of car thefts. Dubbed the ‘Gemma TX’ phenomenon, these young offenders have been involved in breaking into over 1,200 vehicles, causing significant financial damage. Recent investigations led to the identification of several suspects, including minors, who continue to operate brazenly in public, prompting increased police attention and community awareness.
Introducing the ‘Gemma TX’ Phenomenon
Late at night, often after midnight, a phrase has been echoing through the streets: “Gemma TX do it!” This catchphrase is associated with a group of seemingly unsupervised teens, aged between 13 and 16, hailing from immigrant communities including those from Syria, Afghanistan, the Balkans, Chechnya, Romania, and Slovakia. The term ‘TX’ references taxi license plates, while ‘machen’ translates to breaking in.
Teen Car Theft Ring Exposed
In April, a significant breakthrough occurred when investigators identified 24 mostly underage boys as suspects in a spree of car thefts. These young criminals reportedly used hammers to break into around 350 vehicles. However, the situation didn’t improve as some may have hoped. In fact, it escalated. In June and July, two 13-year-olds—one Slovak and one Serb—were apprehended after dismantling 130 taxis and parked cars.
The latest incident unfolded on the night before St. Stephen’s Day. Following a police report about the hammer gang, a group of kids aged 13 to 15 was spotted at a fast-food outlet in the 3rd district around 1:10 AM. Their lack of discretion led to witnesses notifying authorities. Consequently, a patrol intervened and apprehended several members of the group, including a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, both of whom were already known to law enforcement and subsequently placed in juvenile detention by the public prosecutor.
As of autumn 2023, the statistics reveal a staggering impact: 44 young offenders have collectively caused damage amounting to half a million euros across Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland through 1,200 criminal acts.
Personal Encounter with the TX Gang
As the author of this piece, I had my own run-in with members of this teenage gang. An informant shared a video showing a break-in into his car, featuring three boys—one distinguishable by a striking black and white checkered cap—breaking in, rummaging through the vehicle, and fleeing with stolen items. It’s almost comical how one of the boys was courteous enough to return and close the car door after the theft. The informant requested that I share this video to raise awareness among the public and authorities regarding the gang’s activities and identities, as their faces were clearly visible.
Later that day, while running errands in Millennium City on my way to the editorial office, I encountered the same group of boys—recognizable by the conspicuous cap—engaging in their antics. They were strutting along, occasionally taunting passersby. I promptly contacted the informant to inform him of the boys’ whereabouts, potentially aiding the police in their ongoing investigations.