Which Swiss canton has highest number of burglaries?

Insurance company Axa has revealed that the number of burglaries in Switzerland has increased and now tops pre-pandemic figures. Break-ins are more likely to happen in French-speaking Switzerland and during the winter months.

Burglaries up 10 percent in Switzerland

New analysis by Axa has revealed how frequently people in Switzerland get burgled and the cantons where burglaries are most likely to occur. The study found that, after a decline in reported burglaries during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of break-ins taking place in Switzerland in 2024 increased by 10 percent year-on-year. 

As the season has changed and nights are longer, the study also revealed that we have entered the time of year when burglaries are more likely to be committed. Shorter days and longer nights “play into the hands of burglars", says Stefan Müller, Head of Property Claims at AXA.

According to the AXA report, 45 percent more burglaries take place between October and March, based on data from the past 10 years. In particular, the festive period (December 24 to 31) tends to have twice as many burglaries as on working days, as people spend time away from home celebrating Christmas.

Geneva has the highest burglaries in Switzerland

The risk of having someone break into your house or apartment varies by canton. Swiss cantons close to France are the most likely to experience break-ins.

Geneva takes the top spot among Swiss cantons with the highest number of burglaries, with 8,5 per 1.000 households per year. This is more than twice the national average of 3,2. Cantons Vaud (5,4), Basel-Stadt (5,0), Basel-Landschaft (4,6), Jura (4,1), Neuchâtel (3,6) and Solothurn (3,6) follow. Fribourg and Zurich were also cantons with high chances of people getting burgled.

The cantons with the fewest burglaries per 1.000 households in 2024 were Uri (0,9), Graubünden (1,0), Glarus (1,1), Schwyz (1,4), Schaffhausen (1,4) and Appenzell Ausserrhoden (1,4).

The average value which is stolen in a burglary has also increased to over 7.000 Swiss francs, 25 percent more than two years ago. AXA explains that this is due to an increase in major losses, where the cost exceeds 30.000 Swiss francs. "Such complex crimes point to organised structures. We assume that professionally executed burglaries, and therefore organised crime, have increased significantly," Müller continued.

The insurance company advised people to keep doors and windows locked, use a lighting timer and let neighbours know if you’re going to be away.