Scam in SwitzerlandTheft
Bag snatching on the airport train in Switzerland
How it works
Bag snatchers target this train route. A bag left out of sight or beyond easy reach is harder to protect.
Warning signs
- Your bag is out of sight.
- You cannot reach your luggage quickly.
How to avoid it
- Keep small bags with you.
- Choose a position where you can see larger luggage.
- Check that you have every bag before leaving the train.
If it happens to you
Tell train staff and report the theft to police. Note the route, travel time and where you last saw the bag.
- Move somewhere safe. If you feel threatened, enter a nearby restaurant. Call 112 for an emergency.
- Check what is missing. Freeze stolen payment cards and contact your card issuer about suspicious charges.
- Write down the time, place and what happened. Save receipts, transaction records and any other evidence.
- Report theft or fraud to police. Tell train staff, accommodation staff or a rental company when relevant.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Ask about replacement travel documents.
- Contact your travel insurer. Keep the police report and records of related costs.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/geneva2025Laptop bag stolen with work laptop in Geneva train stationA traveller reports a laptop bag disappearing from the overhead rack while the family travelled by train from Bern to Geneva airport.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Switzerland2025Luggage stolen on SBB train – has anyone dealt with this before?The discussion includes a witness reporting that they stopped someone stealing a tourist’s suitcase on a train toward Zurich airport.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/askswitzerland2025Suitcase stolen in Intercity, what is my best bet to get it back?A commenter reports a backpack being snatched at Zurich airport’s train platform and a colleague’s suitcase subsequently being stolen aboard the train.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the bag snatching on the airport train scam in Switzerland?
Bag snatchers target this train route. A bag left out of sight or beyond easy reach is harder to protect.
How can I spot it early?
Your bag is out of sight. You cannot reach your luggage quickly.
How do I avoid bag snatching on the airport train in Switzerland?
Keep small bags with you. Choose a position where you can see larger luggage. Check that you have every bag before leaving the train.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Tell train staff and report the theft to police. Note the route, travel time and where you last saw the bag.
Where in Switzerland does this happen?
Trains between Lausanne and Geneva Airport. It has been reported in Lausanne, Geneva.
How common is this scam in Switzerland?
Common. Switzerland is generally very safe, but theft still affects visitors. The main concerns are pickpockets, stolen bags and burglary; the other risks described here include a rigged street game, pushy begging and exposed card details.
Are there similar scams in Switzerland?
Yes: pickpocketing and petty theft, bicycle and bicycle-part theft, hotel and apartment burglary.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report theft or suspected fraud to police. For an emergency, call 112; operators generally speak English. Police in Basel: call 117 in an emergency. Operators usually speak English. Nearby police officer or security guard in Lausanne: report cases involving begging children directly to the nearest officer or guard. Basel tram or bus operator: ask the operator for help if you have trouble on board. In an emergency, the operator can alert police to the vehicle's location. Card issuer: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact details to freeze a stolen card and report unauthorised transactions. Accommodation provider or rental company: tell reception, your host or the rental company about a burglary, damaged lock or stolen rental bicycle. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate through its official contact details if your passport is stolen. Travel insurer: use the insurer's claims service. Keep your police report, receipts and a list of stolen items.
What number do I call in an emergency in Switzerland?
General emergency; operators generally speak English: 112, Police emergency in Basel; operators usually speak English: 117, Emergency medical assistance in Lausanne; French-language assistance: 144.
Reviewed by @snuck