Theft and Robbery

Opportunity makes the thief – but even simple measures and rules of conduct can help you better protect your valuables against theft. 

On this page, we have compiled some information and tips to help you do so.

In a snatch theft, the perpetrator approaches a victim unnoticed and attempts to forcibly snatch their bag. Sometimes the element of surprise fails and the victim resists. A theft then becomes a robbery when the perpetrator has to overcome this physical resistance, for example by snatching the item even though the victim is holding on to it. The same applies if violence is used or threatened in order to snatch the item.

• Do not carry large amounts of cash and distribute your valuables across different places on your body: in your clothing, in a bag worn at the front of your body, or in pockets under your clothing.
• Be alert when withdrawing money: do not let yourself be distracted and do not openly display the cash you have withdrawn.
• Do not actively defend yourself in an emergency – your health is more important than your valuables.

Distraction thieves always follow the same pattern when committing a theft: they distract the victim and then steal their wallet, mobile phone, or other valuables.

• Be alert when you are approached by a stranger. It may be a distraction manoeuvre. Pay particular attention to your valuables.
• Distribute cash, credit cards, or other means of payment across your clothing. Do not carry everything in one place.
• Never hand over change in the street.
• Never show your wallet and its contents in public.

Pickpockets are usually professionals. Their victims often only realise later that they have been robbed.

• Do not carry large amounts of cash on you.
• Never keep your payment cards (bank cards, debit cards, credit cards, etc.) together with your PIN code.
• Distribute cash and payment cards across several pockets – preferably in your clothing, in belt bags, or chest pouches.
• Carry your handbag or shoulder bag closed, with the fastening facing your body.
• Do not let strangers look into your wallet, and never let go of it when paying.
• Never leave your bags and luggage unattended.

Mobile phones are valuable and most people always carry them with them. This makes them a coveted prize for thieves.

• Secure your mobile phone with a PIN code. Never write down the PIN or PUK on the phone itself or on the SIM card.
• Carry your mobile phone as close to your body as possible and never leave it lying on a table or bar counter.
• Do not leave your mobile phone in your jacket pocket at the cloakroom.
• Write down your phone's IMEI number and keep it separately from the phone. This number can be used to identify your phone if it is stolen.
• Many mobile phones have built-in tracking programmes that make it possible to trace their location. You can activate this function so that you can locate the device in case of theft.

Thousands of bicycles are reported stolen in the Canton of Bern every year.

• Park your bicycle in a clearly visible, designated bicycle parking area.
• Lock your bicycle with a suitable lock to a firmly anchored fixture.
• Note down your bicycle's characteristics (e.g. frame number, brand, colour) and keep these notes in a safe place.
• Register your bicycle with a private registration service so that the bicycle can be found more easily if it is stolen.

Unattended parcels left in the milk box, in front of the front door, or in the house entrance are easy prey for thieves.

• Whenever possible, always accept your delivery in person and empty your letterbox regularly.
• Use the parcel delivery service's online services or app. Adjust delivery times and locations to suit your needs. Thanks to shipment tracking, you will also always know where your parcel is.
• Ask the shipping company to only deliver packages against signature.
• Have your parcels sent to a pickup point near you, to a parcel locker, or to a neighbour if you are not at home.

Have you been robbed despite all precautionary measures? You can report the theft here:

• Around the clock at www.suisse-epolice.ch (only for stolen bicycles, mopeds, skis, snowboards, electronic devices, or licence plates)
• At your nearest police station
• Find a police station near you

Always call the emergency number 112 in an emergency.