Luggage thieves on SBB trains

Yootheeckom33

Its over two weeks now that my back pack got stolen from an SBB train enrout to Zurich and I am hugely dissapointed that there were no cameras on the train and no warning that there is often theft on the trains from Lausanne to Zurich to unsuspecting tourists. Despite what the passengers on the train told me, the company should do better. I was targetted as a tourist and even though I was attentive, this gang managed to steal my bag with laptop, phone and clothes righ from the top tray where I felt it would be safe as the train was packed with lots of groups of school kids. This theft happened mid-way in the journey on Monday the 23rd of July and I have increasign lost hope that my belongings would be returned. This is a warning to any tourist going to Switzerland, beware of rail thieves.

Danhiel

Yootheeckom33 this gang managed to steal my bag

Did you see any suspicious people on the train? In this case you can immediately call the transport police with the interphone or with the number 0800 117 117.

In case it was not a theft for any reason, I suggest to submit a loss report:

https://www.sbb.ch/en/help-and-contact/lost-found-office/submit-loss-report.html

Kind regards
Danhiel

Krist

Did you immediately file a report with the police when you arrived in Zurich? There are cameras on the train, but the recordings of those cameras are not accessible by SBB (as Switzerland has laws protecting people’s privacy) and they can only be requested by the police. And the police only do that if you first go to them.

Note that luggage theft is rare on Swiss trains. It is unfortunate that this happened to you. I always have my bag with my laptop etc. at my feet, as the overhead racks are indeed what the thieves often target.

Yootheeckom33

Krist Ye I filled a report at Zurich polistation but I have nno news yet.

Yootheeckom33

Danhiel Thanks, I reported to police at Zurich station and I also reported loss on SBB but no news yet.

Sianna18

Unfortunately this is happening more and more often. Today my suitcase was stolen on the train on my way to Geneva Airport and I’m not a tourist… someone saw a guy pass by, take the suitcase, run down the stairs and leave the train during à stop in Nyon and I didnt realise until 20 minutes later when arrived to the airport. And it seems my train had not cameras (what a coincidence)
Anyway just to let you know your case is not the only one, it’s happening more and more often and I think security measures should be improved on trains… I really hope you find your bag!

RolandP

Hello Sianna18

As a train conductor I do not second your opinion that luggage thieves are more common than 10 years ago. Airports and trains to the airport were always a favorised place for luggage theft.

What I notice, however, passengers became more lazy in terms of precautions. How many times do I have to remind female passengers to close their lady bag or not to leave it on the aisle seat.

Being attentive is certainly recommended, years ago as well as now.

Kind regards,
Roland

Yootheeckom33

Sianna18 I am really sorry to hear about your loss. It shocks me that Swiss rail does not have camera on some trains. There is very little the police can do for you. Never travel without you luggage by your side ever, even if you have to take up a seat because there is a gang of young people on swiss trains and geneva, lausanne, zurich are hot targets. Hope you are able to recover. The situation has caused me travelling trauma as I travel quite often.

Yootheeckom33

RolandP Sorry, but in my case I was attentive, and was looking out for my luggage yet these hang manage to steal a bag that was stored above my head. I have learnt my lessons on Swiss trains. In France where we expect this sort of things to happen, I did not experience this. There are announcements in the station and cameras on trains. Swiss rail should not be operating trains without camera for safety of travellers.

RolandP

There is one train type of all long distance trains that is not equipped with cameras yet.

And even if it would be, the police would not start an investigation just because of a simple theft, unless people were in danger.

The official procedure is to report the loss to the police, and then to contact one’s insurance.

If thefts happen, then in stations were the train stops for a few minutes and with great passenger exchange and passenger flux, while the bad guys enter the train, take the bags, and leave it again before the train continues.

https://company.sbb.ch/en/the-company/responsibility-society-environment/safety/basic-rules-when-travelling/pickpockets.html

Kind regards,
Roland