Geneva named Switzerland's top burglary hotspot as break-ins rise

With winter well and truly on its way, Swiss insurance company AXA has revealed that the number of break-ins in Switzerland is rising rapidly, with Geneva the canton where residents are most likely to become victims of burglary.

French-speaking cantons face highest burglary risk

While expats praise Switzerland for its safety and low crime rate, new property crime data from AXA reveals that in 2025, there was a 4 percent rise in the number of burglaries per insured person in Switzerland compared to the year before. Compared to 2022, the number is 15 percent higher.

The risk of being burgled varied by canton and region, with residents of Geneva facing the highest risk. Between 2019 and 2025, Geneva recorded 8,4 burglaries per 1.000 households per year, more than double the Swiss average of 3,3 burglaries per 1.000 households per year.

Other cantons facing above-average risks are located largely in French-speaking Switzerland, including Vaud (5,7), Basel-Landschaft and Basel-Stadt (4,8), Jura (4,4), Solothurn (3,8) and Neuchâtel (3,6).

Uri and Graubünden proved to be the lowest-risk cantons, with just one burglary per year per 1.000 households, while cantons in Central Switzerland had a rate between 2,5 and 1,9. The rate in Zurich was 2,9.

"Our data doesn't show why burglaries have increased," says Stefan Müller, Head of Property Insurance at AXA.

Cost per burglary tops 7.000 francs as high-value theft rises

Alongside increasing numbers of burglaries in Switzerland, AXA also reported that insurance claims costs have shot up by 60 percent compared to 2022. In 2025, AXA paid out over 22 million Swiss francs, nine percent more than in 2024.

The insurance company noted that the average cost of a burglary in Switzerland last year was over 7.000 francs, which worked out as 30 percent more than in 2022 and “the highest ever recorded.”

"Firstly, many people own increasingly expensive valuables such as smartphones, laptops, or e-bikes," Müller noted. “Secondly, due to higher prices, the same item is now more expensive than before. And thirdly, we are seeing a significant increase in large-scale losses."

Darker winter days drive a 45 percent surge in break-ins

Households in Switzerland become particularly susceptible to burglaries during the winter months, with AXA recording 45 percent more break-ins between October and March compared to the summer. Darker evenings and holiday periods “play into the hands of burglars”.

AXA recommends taking precautions and reviewing home security to reduce the risk of burglary. "Doors should always be locked with a key, even for short absences, and all windows should be closed – even at night," explains Müller. Anyone heading on holiday should also consider letting a neighbour know or investing in timers to turn lights on and off.

Expats should also review their home contents insurance policy to avoid underinsurance (Unterversicherung) and ensure high-end tech, jewellery and e-bikes are covered at full replacement value.