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Published19. November 2024, 08:18
BernMilena (25) films pickpocket
Pickpockets are increasing at Bern train station and on trains. According to the Bern cantonal police, reports particularly increase in the run-up to Christmas.
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Milena (25) recorded this attempted pickpocketing on the train from Solothurn to Biel.
20min/News-Scout
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A video shows an attempted theft on a train from Solothurn to Biel.
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A café owner at Bern train station reports an increase in pickpocketing at Bern train station.
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According to the Bern cantonal police, train stations are hotspots for pickpocketing, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
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Since October 2024, there have actually been more reports of thefts at Bern train station.
And hey presto, the backpack was open: A news scout video shows a scene on a train from Solothurn to Biel in which a man opens a lady’s backpack unnoticed. At first glance it seems as if he wants to steal from her.
Milena (25) from Grenchen experienced the situation first hand and filmed it: “I only noticed how the man was looking at me and my bag,” she told 20 Minutes. She then pulled out her phone to film the man. The video shows: He is standing behind an older woman with a backpack. As she leaves the train, he reaches for her backpack and opens a bag.
“This has really become everyday life now.”
Milena filmed all of this, but she didn’t intervene: “I was afraid that he might do something to me,” she says. “I don’t know if he might have a knife with him.” A short time later she observed another theft. Here she went to the police with the person concerned and reported the theft. 20 minutes later, the Solothurn cantonal police confirmed a report of a stolen wallet on the train towards Biel.
Independent of the incident described, an owner of a café at Bern train station also contacted 20 Minutes and reported an incident on a train to Konolfingen. A group of young men are said to have stolen an older man’s bag; he observed the whole thing. “This has really become everyday life,” he tells 20 Minutes. He emphasizes that recently there have been an increasing number of customers reporting thefts and robberies at Bern train station: valuables are said to have been snatched from their pockets or even directly from their bodies.
Numbers increasing since October
“With regard to pickpocketing, it can be said that it generally occurs more often where a lot of people come together and therefore there are favorable opportunities for the perpetrators,” writes a media spokeswoman for the Bern cantonal police in response to a request from 20 Minutes. Especially in the run-up to Christmas, pickpockets could steal valuables “relatively unnoticed” in the crowds at Christmas markets, on public transport, on escalators and other places.
The spokeswoman emphasizes: “Train stations are basically areas with a high density of people, luggage and also shop spaces. Accordingly, reports of thefts are received more often.” In recent years, the cantonal police have tended to receive more reports of theft crimes in the Bern train station area. However, these have been increasing sharply since October of this year.
“We are constantly analyzing the situation in and around Bern train station, are present with several patrols and are carrying out targeted surveillance,” said the media spokeswoman. The police do this together with various partners and also security services from rail operators, such as the transport police or Transsicura. “If there is an increase in crimes, we increase the police presence and or take further measures.”
“Train stations are generally areas with a high density of people,” emphasizes a media spokeswoman for the Bern cantonal police.
20min/Matthias Spicher
Report to the police
The SBB does not keep statistics on thefts on trains or train stations. According to the SBB media spokeswoman, reports are not received directly by them, but must always be reported to the police. However, the SBB transport police regularly carry out national prevention campaigns to combat pickpocketing in order to raise awareness among travelers and to highlight common trick theft methods. Announcements are also made sporadically on trains to remind passengers to look after their valuables.
Anyone who is robbed on the train or observes something should contact the local police on 117 or the SBB transport police on 0800 117 117.
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Hello, guests! Thank you for joining us today. Let’s start by discussing the recent increase in pickpocketing incidents at Bern train station and on trains. What are your thoughts on this trend?
Guest 1: Hello there! It’s indeed concerning to hear about the rise in pickpocketing cases, especially during the holiday season when people tend to be more vulnerable. It shows that we all need to be more vigilant and aware of our surroundings when traveling or commuting through these busy areas.
Guest 2: Absolutely. Pickpocketing is not a new phenomenon, but it’s disheartening to see it escalate in recent times. It’s essential for the authorities to identify the reasons behind this trend and take appropriate measures to curb it.
The article mentions Milena’s encounter with a pickpocket. Can you share your thoughts on her decision not to intervene? Do you think it’s necessary for bystanders to confront suspects, or would you advise against it?
Guest 1: Every situation is different, and we can’t generalize from one instance. In this case, Milena felt threatened, and her safety should be a priority. However, if we’re discussing instances where there is no immediate danger, I believe intervening may be advised. After all, it’s our responsibility to look out for one another.
Guest 2: I agree. It’s crucial to consider safety first and foremost, but there may be situations where intervening would be helpful. For example, distracting the suspect could buy time for the victim to safeguard their belongings or alert authorities.
The article also highlights the increasing number of reports to the police since October. Do you think the police and other security agencies are doing enough to address the issue?
Guest 1: It’s a challenging situation, as train stations and trains offer ample opportunities for pickpockets. While the police presence is visible, it’s always challenging to deter such crimes unless strict measures are taken. I believe there’s room for improvement in terms of prevention strategies and awareness campaigns.
Guest 2: One can argue that the police can do more, but they also have to prioritize
