🇨🇭 More than 80% of those convicted of theft in Switzerland are foreigners

In 2025, 7,956 people were convicted of theft in Switzerland, of whom only around 1,500 held Swiss citizenship. According to data from the Federal Statistical Office published by SRF, more than 80% of those convicted were foreigners. Citizens of Algeria and Romania appear particularly frequently in the statistics.

Around two-thirds of those convicted do not belong to the country’s permanent resident population. Criminologists point to so-called criminal tourism. This refers to offenders who come to Switzerland from abroad. According to criminologist Dirk Baier, they are attracted by the country’s high level of prosperity and the opportunities to commit thefts. At the same time, the Swiss authorities want to tighten the rules for granting asylum.

Switzerland has long attracted tourists with its Alps, lakes, historic cities, and high standard of living. But according to the statistics, by no means do all of them come here to admire the sights. Some prefer to familiarize themselves with the contents of other people’s bags, homes, and bank accounts. And while ordinary tourists spend money in Switzerland, “criminal tourists” come because of them.


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