Scam in SwitzerlandTheft
Pickpocketing and petty theft in Switzerland
How it works
Thieves take valuables while travellers are distracted. Petty theft is fairly common in Geneva. Pickpockets are also a main theft concern on Basel's public transport.
Warning signs
- Crowds make it hard to notice contact with your bag.
- Your phone or wallet is visible in an open bag or easy-to-reach pocket.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds.
- Keep phones and wallets in secure pockets.
- Keep a hand on your bag on busy trams and buses.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft to police. Freeze any stolen payment cards.
- 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/Europetravel2023Sharing my first solo Europe travel experience and how I got pickpocketed. What would you have done?A solo traveller reports being pickpocketed in Switzerland and describes suspicious approaches involving luggage assistance and close positioning on trains or platforms.Read on Reddit
- Government adviceSafety and security - Switzerland travel advice - GOV.UKUK travel advice reports increased petty theft in larger cities, at Geneva airport and on Geneva trains, and warns about bag snatching and pickpocketing.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the pickpocketing and petty theft scam in Switzerland?
Thieves take valuables while travellers are distracted. Petty theft is fairly common in Geneva. Pickpockets are also a main theft concern on Basel's public transport.
How can I spot it early?
Crowds make it hard to notice contact with your bag. Your phone or wallet is visible in an open bag or easy-to-reach pocket.
How do I avoid pickpocketing and petty theft in Switzerland?
Keep your bag closed and in front of you in crowds. Keep phones and wallets in secure pockets. Keep a hand on your bag on busy trams and buses.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe, check what is missing and report the theft to police. Freeze any stolen payment cards.
Where in Switzerland does this happen?
Crowded tourist areas, especially in summer. Basel trams and buses and public places in Geneva need extra care.
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: bag snatching on the airport train, 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