«Security at home is essential. No one ever wants to experience a break-in. It’s not just the loss of both replaceable and irreplaceable valuables and goods, but also the traumatic impact that a burglary leaves in its wake,» says Peter Andres. «Fortunately, there are now modern security systems available that will deter potential perpetrators and quickly send out an alarm in an emergency.»
Switzerland’s getting more dangerous
The figures in Switzerland speak volumes, with the most recent police crime statistics from March 2025 showing that numbers rose again in 2024. There were 46,000 burglaries and walk-in thefts reported to the police (in the latter case, the perpetrator enters an unlocked dwelling and steals property). This is an increase of around 11.5% compared to 2023. That’s over 125 offences every day. And in 2023 there were more than 41,000 burglaries and walk-in thefts, itself an increase of almost 16% over the previous year.
Burglaries & thefts by stealth in Switzerland
Burglaries & thefts by stealth | Increase compared to previous year | |
2022 | 35’700 | 14.6% |
2023 | 41’400 | 15.9% |
2024 | 46’100 | 11.4% |
Source: Police crime statistics
The distribution of burglaries varies from canton to canton. Nowhere else were there as many burglaries in 2022 as in the canton of Zurich, with a total of 6,935. As a comparison, there were 3,955 burglaries in the canton of Vaud, followed by the canton of Geneva with 3,334. The cantons of Aargau (3,145), Bern (3,126) and St. Gallen (1,729) followed. (blick.ch)
Who should be concerned about home security?
It’s interesting to note that the majority of Swiss people (still) feel safe and only 21% of the population currently has a home-security system. In principle, every household would benefit from improved security. However, certain target groups and regions are more likely to be affected than others. Rural and remote areas along with border regions like Basel, Geneva and Ticino are exposed to greater risk, as many gangs disappear across the border as soon as they've committed the crime.
Home security is also particularly advisable for:
Homeowners or long-term tenants in spacious suburban houses or large apartments who value security.
Young professionals and small families living in city apartments; for their own protection and especially that of their children.
Tenants in ground-floor apartments: These are more easily accessible and this makes them a popular target for burglars.
Senior citizens: Elderly people benefit from automated alarm systems because these react to danger immediately.
Perpetrators also have seasonal preferences. Winter is preferred, and this is peak season for burglars; it gets dark early and many people aren’t at home over Christmas or on New Year’s Eve as they’re out celebrating with friends and family.
Search queries on Google and other sites provide information
Twenty years ago people were still searching for «security cameras», but in recent years this has changed to «alarm systems». Today, this search query is two and a half times more common. In addition, providers such as Galaxus and Digitec report a significant increase in sales of home-security systems that make people’s own homes safer.*
A survey of 1,500 people revealed, among other things, the reasons why Sunrise customers would buy a home-security system:
To deter burglars
For protection, even if nothing has happened yet
For surveillance of their household (deliveries, pets, etc.)
Due to an increase in crime locally
Due to a past burglary
When people were asked why they still don’t have an alarm, their answers were:
I like the idea, but I don’t know enough about it
It’s probably very expensive
I don’t have time to organise something like that
I’m moving soon, so it’s not worth it
I still haven’t found the right deal
In principle, the respondents seem to be open to buying a security system as long as the process isn’t too much trouble.
What’s on the market?
The home-security market is diverse and offers a wide range of solutions, depending on a person’s security requirements and budget.
Alarm systems: In the event of a violent break-in, in which windows or doors are smashed open, they immediately sound the alarm.
Video surveillance: Smart cameras with motion detection and night vision watch for suspicious activity.
Smart locks: Electronic locking systems replace conventional keys and offer more security with app control and code authentication.
Motion sensors: These protect indoor and outdoor areas and detect any unusual activity.
Security services: Professional security services use an emergency call centre for monitoring and they alert customers in an emergency.
Did you know?
Studies show that more than 80% of burglaries can be prevented or stopped by professional security systems. Visible alarm systems and video surveillance are particularly effective, as they deter perpetrators.
Everyone can protect themselves
In view of the rising numbers, which unfortunately continue to trend upwards, home security is now more important than ever. Studies show that homeowners, families and the elderly in particular can protect themselves against burglary with modern security solutions. Since only one fifth of the Swiss population has a home-security system, there’s great potential here to reverse the trend, with the targeted groups making it more difficult for burglars to carry out their crime.
We’ll keep you updated with more intriguing news about security.
It’s every fraudster’s objective to gain access to your data. They can do it in a variety of ways, such as phishing (via email), smishing (via SMS) or vishing (via voice, i.e. over the phone).
*Sources: Digitec-Galaxus: Safety first: Protective measures against burglars on the rise in Switzerland March 2023, Swiss residents tightening up on home security November 2023