Switzerland is home to some spectacular tourist sites that bring visitors from across the world, but police have warned that they are also attracting petty criminals.
Swiss police detained around 20 people in connection with pickpocketing and theft incidents at tourist hotspots in the Bernese Oberland.
During the summer months, there was a hike in reports of pickpocketing and con artists particularly at tourists hotspots in the Bernese Oberland, according to Bern cantonal police.
Officers last month launched an operation in various parts of the Alpine area, including the Interlaken, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen regions, as well as at popular tourist attractions such as the Aare Gorge and the Jungfraujoch.
Around 20 people were stopped and detained by police.
“Several people were then taken into custody and, after evidence was gathered, deported from Switzerland,” Bern police said in a statement released this week. They added that some of the other suspects were taken into custody.
The Bernese Oberland, in the Swiss Alps, is located south of the Swiss city of Bern, and home to popular resorts such as the Interlaken Holiday Region and the Jungfrau Region.
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Tips to stay safe
While Switzerland is a safe country with low crime rates, petty crime and pickpocketing does happen. It is more common in busy areas such as tourist hotspots and train stations.
Bern police have urged holidaymakers and residents to be on guard against pickpockets. They advised people to:
- Pay particular attention to your valuables in busy places or crowds.
- Be alert if you are approached by a stranger, it may be a diversionary tactic.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash on you.
- Never keep your payment cards (bank cards, debit cards, credit cards, etc.) together with your PIN code.
- Distribute cash and other means of payment across several pockets – preferably in your clothing, belt bags or neck pouches.
- Keep your handbag or shoulder bag closed and with the fastening facing your body.
- Do not let strangers look in your wallet, and never let your wallet fall out of your hand when paying.
- Never leave your bags and luggage unattended.
READ ALSO: Just how safe is Switzerland as a country to live in?
