Switzerland 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Geneva
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Switzerland 2019 Crime & Safety Report: Geneva This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Switzerland at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Overall Crime and Safety Situation The U.S. Mission to the United Nations in Geneva does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location, and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided. Review OSAC’s Switzerland-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Crime Threats There is moderate risk from crime in Geneva. Geneva is a relatively safe city, but criminal activity can occur. Most crimes are non-violent and involve petty theft, pickpocketing, or burglary. Drug- related offenses are also common, but generally do not involve violence. There is a general increase in the number of criminal incidents reported in Geneva and Vaud cantons. Rates of violent crime across both cantons are lower than cities of similar size and demographics. According to the latest (2017) crime statistics for the canton of Geneva, there was a 1% increase in the number of reported vehicle thefts (cars: 246; motorcycles: 1,210; bicycles and other vehicles: 3,077), a 7.5% increase in the number of reported burglaries (4,874 cases), and a 15% decrease in the number of reported pickpocketing incidents (3,494 cases). There was one murder (6 cases reported in 2016), a 50% increase number of reported kidnappings (15 cases), and a 15% decrease in the number of reported sexual assaults (416 cases). The total number of reported “thefts with violence” increased by 13% (315 cases). According to the latest (2017) crime statistics for the canton of Vaud, the number of reported pickpocketing incidents was almost the same as in 2016 (2,114 cases), the number of reported vehicle thefts saw a 9% increase (cars: 171; motorcycles: 396; bicycles and other vehicles: 1,999), and there was a 29% decrease in the number of reported burglaries (5,825 cases). There was an equal number of murders (3 cases), a 180% decrease in reported kidnappings (5 cases), and a 7% decrease in the number of reported sexual assaults (627 cases). The total number of reported “thefts with violence” decreased by 28% (199 cases this year and 280 last year). 1 Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland (after Zurich). As in any larger city, remain alert for pickpockets, confidence scams, and other attempts to steal mobile phones, laptops, tablets, wallets, purses, bags, or backpacks in public areas, such as: Lake Geneva's promenade; Vicinity of the Jardin Anglais/Mont Blanc Bridge; Large shopping areas (such as Rue de Rive); Plainpalais area (open market); Gare Cornavin train station; Geneva International Airport, including the train station at the airport; Les Paquis area; Public transportation (trams, trains, buses); Checking into/out of hotels; and Restaurants Pickpockets tend to use aggressive, but not assaultive, tactics. They often work in groups and attempt to distract their victims by dropping something or creating a diversion. Pickpockets also masquerade as street performers or other tourists. Stealth pickpockets are also common. In general, travel in groups, carry only enough money/credit cards to make a purchase, maintain copies of credits cards and identity documents in a safe location, and be aware of surroundings. Switzerland still has some active organized crime elements from the following locations: Italy, particularly in money laundering; Southeast Europe (Macedonia, Albania, and Kosovo), particularly in cocaine trafficking, laundering money, migrant trafficking, extortion, and property crimes; Russia, particularly in money laundering, break-ins, and thefts; China, particularly in extortion, migrant trafficking, blackmail, credit cards, drugs, arms, prostitution, and illegal gambling; and West and North Africa, particularly false documents, cocaine trafficking, and fraud. Cybersecurity Issues The Swiss Government has not released formal statistics on cybercrime since 2015, but newsletters and other information on cyber trends are available through their Reporting and Analysis Center for Information Assurance (MELANI). In 2014, the Swiss Cybercrime Coordination Unit (CYCO) received 10,214 suspicious activity reports on cybercrime via the online reporting form. This is an increase of 10.9% over 2013 (9,208 reports). Hacking and data breaches continue to be a concern in Switzerland, as cyberattacks become more sophisticated and numerous worldwide. Cybercriminals use spam and phishing e-mails to compromise victim’s online accounts and steal personal information. E-mails containing e- banking malware are also common. Variations of the malware can also capture keyboard entries and network traffic in order to steal usernames and passwords. 2 Malicious actors also target business accounts for information on payment methods and outstanding invoices. Cybercriminals use the information to send fake invoices demanding payment to a designated account. They also use false advertisements, online auctions, classified advertising websites, and fictitious real estate advertisements to perpetrate fraud. Cybercrime incidents have become increasingly professional; the grammar and spelling in phishing attempts and fraudulent e-mails are of a higher standard, and the layout and design are of a better quality. This makes it increasingly difficult for users to distinguish between genuine content and fake content. Transportation-Safety Situation For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights. Road Safety and Road Conditions Switzerland offers a well-maintained network of roads. Switzerland has four official languages; travelers should be prepared for the signage to change languages throughout the country. Swiss highways are toll roads; drivers must purchase a vignette sticker (for 40 Swiss Francs), which is affixed to the inside of the windshield, to use the highway system. Vignettes are available for purchase at gas stations, post offices, or any manned vehicle border crossing. The minimum driving age is 18. Traffic laws are strictly enforced; police can impose on-the-spot fines, which, for grievous violations, can reach up to 10% of the driver’s salary. Drivers must keep headlights on at all times. Vehicles must carry third-party liability insurance. All occupants must wear safety belts. Trams, police vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, and buses always have the right of way, and pedestrians have the right-of-way at striped crosswalks. Local police have the right to perform on-the-spot breathalyzer tests; the BAC limit is .05 grams/liter (approximately one beer). Police will charge drivers with a BAC between .50-.79 g/l with a fine and could take them to jail; police could fine and arrest drivers with BAC higher than .80 g/l, as well as confiscating their Swiss driver's license for a minimum of three months. Comply with imposed safety restrictions (e.g. maintaining proper distance between vehicles and proper speed). The maximum speed limit (if not posted) is: Highway - 120 km/h; Open road - 80 km/h; In town - 50 km/h; Residential areas - 30 km/h. Due to limited resources, police prioritize their response to incidents that involve injuries. As a training tool, visitors can test their knowledge of Swiss regulations for drivers and cyclists online. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s Report Driving Overseas: Best Practices. 3 Public Transportation Conditions Public transportation in Geneva and throughout Switzerland is safe and reliable. However, the SBB IC train running from Bern to Geneva is a frequent target for luggage and electronic device theft. Aviation/Airport Conditions Geneva International Airport (GVA) and Zurich International Airport (ZRH) adhere to international air-safety standards, as does management of flight operations. Security measures are on par with U.S. airports. Terrorism Threat Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns There is moderate risk from terrorism in Geneva. Extremists have traditionally viewed Switzerland as a place for planning, funding, and logistical support for terrorist operations, but not as a target for attack. Recent threats through Europe, however, have highlighted a new paradigm of terrorist planning and attack execution. The Schengen agreement allows free movement between member countries, which makes tracking cross-border movements of potential terrorists more difficult. In 2017, Swiss authorities arrested at least five individuals for terrorism or related offenses, according to media reports. In 2015, the Swiss Federal Council adopted a counter-terrorism strategy with the main objectives of preventing attacks in Switzerland, preventing the export of terrorism from Switzerland, and preventing Switzerland from use as a breeding ground for terrorism. In 2017, Switzerland adopted a National Action Plan (NAP) to combat radicalization and violent extremism. The NAP expands police authorities and implements new measures to investigate those suspected of extremist