Scam in SwitzerlandTheft
Hotel and apartment burglary in Switzerland
How it works
Burglars steal from accommodation. Organised groups are linked to an increase in burglary in Geneva.
Warning signs
- A door is left unlocked.
- Windows remain open when everyone goes out.
How to avoid it
- Lock your accommodation door whenever you leave.
- Close windows before going out.
- Check that doors have latched properly.
If it happens to you
If someone may still be inside, stay out and contact police. Tell your accommodation provider and avoid disturbing possible evidence.
- 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.
Questions
What is the hotel and apartment burglary scam in Switzerland?
Burglars steal from accommodation. Organised groups are linked to an increase in burglary in Geneva.
How can I spot it early?
A door is left unlocked. Windows remain open when everyone goes out.
How do I avoid hotel and apartment burglary in Switzerland?
Lock your accommodation door whenever you leave. Close windows before going out. Check that doors have latched properly.
What should I do if it happens to me?
If someone may still be inside, stay out and contact police. Tell your accommodation provider and avoid disturbing possible evidence.
Where in Switzerland does this happen?
Hotels and apartments in Geneva. It has been reported in Geneva.
How common is this scam in Switzerland?
Occasional. 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, bag snatching on the airport train, bicycle and bicycle-part theft.
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