Switzerland, one of the safest countries
Switzerland is regularly ranked among the top 10 safest countries (Global Peace Index, OECD):
- Homicide rate: ~0.5/100,000 (vs ~1.5 France, ~5.0 USA)
- Burglaries: declining for 10 years
- Pickpocketing: concentrated at large stations and tourist centres
- Trust in police: 85% of Swiss
- Sense of safety: 90%+ feel safe by day, 70–80% at night
Crime types
Low incidence
- Violent theft: rare
- Assault: declining
- Car theft: rare (but pricey when it happens)
- Burglaries: mostly in specific areas and property types
More present
- Pickpocketing: stations, public transport, festivals
- Cybercrime: phishing, online fraud (rising)
- Drug trafficking: in some areas of Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne
- Domestic violence: under-reported, public prevention topic
Emergency numbers
- 117: police
- 118: fire brigade
- 144: medical ambulance
- 145: poison centre
- 112: European number, redirects
- 143: Main Tendue (24/7 mental support)
- 147: Pro Juventute (youth distress)
Swiss police
- Cantonal police: each canton has its own
- Communal police: in some large cities
- Federal police (fedpol): federal crime, terrorism
- Border guards: now part of fedpol
Daily prevention
At home
- Lock systematically, even for short absences
- Shutters/blinds closed at night
- No absence signs: piled mail, lights permanently off
- Alarm: not mandatory but useful in exposed areas
- Safe: for jewellery, important documents
Public transport
- Crossbody bag: in front in crowded areas
- Phone: don't leave on a café table (quick theft common)
- Pickpockets: at stations, Bahnhofstrasse, Rue du Mont-Blanc
- Backpacks: in front on full buses/trams
Car
- No visibles in the car (bags, GPS, etc.)
- Park in well-lit areas at night
- Steering lock: recommended for premium vehicles
- Registration: don't leave in the vehicle
Online
- Phishing: beware of mails imitating banks, La Poste, AVS
- Fake Swiss numbers: "Microsoft Support", "police", never grant remote access
- Public Wi-Fi: use a VPN if needed
- Passwords: password manager + 2FA everywhere
Safety-related insurance
Mandatory
- LAMal: health
- Accident insurance (LAA): via employer or private
- Car liability: for vehicles
Strongly recommended
- Private RC household: ~CHF 200–400/yr, covers damage caused to others (water, neighbour's glass, etc.)
- Household insurance (theft, fire, water damage): CHF 200–500/yr for standard flat
- Legal protection: ~CHF 300/yr, useful in disputes
Optional
- Travel insurance: for trips outside Switzerland
- E-bike insurance: if valuable bike
- Cyber insurance: protection against online fraud (offered by some insurers)
Special cases
Domestic violence
- 117 or 0800 24 23 22: SOS Battered Women (Geneva)
- Shelters in every canton
- Protection order: emergency removal via police/justice
Missing children
- Swiss Amber Alert: national system since 2010
- Activated by police for at-risk disappearances
- Immediate radio, TV, motorway broadcast
Natural disasters
- SMS alert: Alertswiss system (free app)
- Sirens: annual test first Wednesday of February at 13:30
- Main risks: floods, avalanches, landslides (mountain regions)
Tips
- Don't be overly fearful: Switzerland is generally very safe
- Stay alert in tourist areas and large stations
- Important documents: copies in cloud + original elsewhere (parents, friend)
- React fast if card or phone stolen: block immediately
- Subscribe to private liability as soon as you rent: essential
- For expats: Swiss safety enables great peace of mind, but cybercrime rises
