Car thefts rise in Ticino: AXA reports an increase

Di Valerie Linc ·

AXA reports a rise in car thefts in Switzerland, particularly in border cantons like Ticino. Here's what you need to know and how to protect yourself.

Contesto

In brief - AXA reports increase in car thefts in Switzerland - Ticino above Swiss average - Land Rover, Alfa Romeo and Porsche most stolen ## Key facts - What: Increase in car thefts in Switzerland - When: 2025 - Where: Border cantons, incl. Ticino - Who: AXA - Amount: 5 million CHF paid out in 2025 Car thefts in Switzerland are on the rise, particularly in border cantons. AXA, the country's largest motor vehicle insurer, has reported a significant increase in claims related to car thefts. In 2025, the company paid out approximately 5 million francs in compensation, nearly double the pre-pandemic period, when the figure was between 2.5 and 3 million. Almost 400 cases are reported each year, with an upward trend for luxury cars. "Swiss roads are seeing more modern and better-equipped vehicles. Thieves seem to be targeting these models more often and, it appears, are increasingly successful in stealing high-value vehicles," observes Michael Villiger, head of motor vehicle claims at AXA. ### Most affected cantons Regionally, the most affected cantons are Geneva, Vaud and Basel City. However, Ticino also stands above the Swiss average. Thefts are rarer in the canton of Obwalden and in Glarus. "These differences could be linked, among other things, to the proximity to the border," says Villiger. "In these regions, organized gangs seem to operate more frequently, transporting vehicles abroad," explains the expert. ### Most stolen models The analysis finally highlights which models are particularly prone to theft. The probability that a Land Rover SUV will be stolen is more than four times higher than the average. But Alfa Romeos and Porsches are also particularly targeted. They are followed by Audi, Jeep, Fiat, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Less exposed, however, are Tesla, S...

Dettagli operativi

Implications for cross-border workers The increase in car thefts in Ticino and border cantons has important implications for cross-border workers employed in Switzerland. Here's what you need to know and how to protect yourself. ### Protecting your vehicle To reduce the risk of theft, it's important to take some precautions. Here are some practical tips: 1. Park in safe places: Prefer guarded parking lots or well-lit areas. 2. Install anti-theft devices: Use alarm systems and steering wheel locks. 3. Don't leave valuable items in sight: Avoid leaving bags, documents, or other valuable items in the car. 4. Use tracking systems: GPS devices can help locate the vehicle in case of theft. ### What to do in case of theft If your vehicle is stolen, here are the steps to follow: 1. Report the theft immediately: Contact the local police and file a report. 2. Contact your insurance: Inform your insurance company as soon as possible. 3. Provide all details: Provide the police and insurance company with all details of the vehicle and the circumstances of the theft. 4. Cooperate with the authorities: Provide any useful information for the investigation. ### Insurance and compensation AXA has reported an increase in compensation for car thefts. It's important to check your insurance policy to ensure you are covered in case of theft. Some policies may require the installation of anti-theft devices to be valid. ### Comparison with the previous situation Before the pandemic, compensation for car thefts was significantly lower. In 2025, AXA paid almost double compared to the pre-pandemic period. This increase is linked to the growth of luxury car thefts, often carried out by organized gangs. ### Future scenarios If the trend continues, it is likely that insurers will increas...

Punti chiave

Concrete actions for cross-border workers If you live in Italy and work in Ticino, here's what to do to protect your vehicle and what to know in case of theft. ### Steps to follow 1. Check your insurance policy: Ensure you are covered in case of theft. Contact your insurance company to verify the conditions and requirements. 2. Install anti-theft devices: Consider installing alarm systems and steering wheel locks. Some insurers offer discounts for installing these devices. 3. Park in safe places: Prefer guarded parking lots or well-lit areas, especially at night. 4. Do not leave valuable items in sight: Avoid leaving bags, documents, or other valuable items in the car. 5. Use tracking systems: GPS devices can help locate the vehicle in case of theft. 6. Report the theft immediately: In case of theft, contact the local police immediately and file a report. Provide all details of the vehicle and the circumstances of the theft. 7. Contact your insurance: Inform your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide all necessary details to start the compensation process. 8. Cooperate with the authorities: Provide any useful information for the investigation. ### Useful tools To check your insurance policy and compare offers, you can use the insurance calculator. This tool allows you to compare policies and find the best offer for your needs. ### Conclusion The increase in car thefts in Ticino and border cantons is a concern for cross-border workers who work in Switzerland. Adopting adequate precautions and verifying your insurance policy can help reduce the risk and protect your vehicle. In case of theft, it is important to act quickly and cooperate with the authorities to increase the chances of recovering the vehicle. Source: tvsvizzera.it

Punti chiave

[{"q":"Which are the most stolen car models in Ticino?","a":"The most stolen car models in Ticino include Land Rover, Alfa Romeo, and Porsche. These are followed by Audi, Jeep, Fiat, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. These vehicles are particularly targeted by organized gangs for resale."},{"q":"What to do in case of car theft in Switzerland?","a":"In case of car theft in Switzerland, it is important to immediately report the theft to the local police, contact your insurance company, and provide all details of the vehicle and the circumstances of the theft. Collaborating with the authorities can increase the chances of recovering the vehicle."},{"q":"How to protect your vehicle from theft in Ticino?","a":"To protect your vehicle from theft in Ticino, it is advisable to park in safe places, install anti-theft devices, not leave valuable items in sight, and use tracking systems. Check your insurance policy to ensure you are covered in case of theft."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the most stolen car models in Ticino?
The most stolen car models in Ticino include Land Rover, Alfa Romeo, and Porsche. These are followed by Audi, Jeep, Fiat, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. These vehicles are particularly targeted by organized gangs for resale.
What to do in case of car theft in Switzerland?
In case of car theft in Switzerland, it is important to immediately report the theft to the local police, contact your insurance company, and provide all details of the vehicle and the circumstances of the theft. Collaborating with the authorities can increase the chances of recovering the vehicle.
How to protect your vehicle from theft in Ticino?
To protect your vehicle from theft in Ticino, it is advisable to park in safe places, install anti-theft devices, not leave valuable items in sight, and use tracking systems. Check your insurance policy to ensure you are covered in case of theft.

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