Security in Lugano: Decrease in Thefts and Robberies (cross-border guide)

Context

TL;DR

• Thefts and robberies decreased in Ticino in 2025.
• Police presence and cross-border cooperation increased.
• Resources for security rose by 10% to 12 million CHF.
• Shoplifting and e-bike thefts increased in Lugano.

Key facts

• Thefts in Chiasso: Decreased from 120 to 90.
• Thefts in Mendrisio: Decreased from 80 to 60.
• CECAL calls in 2025: 211,175, down from 246,702 in 2024.
• Firefighter interventions: Decreased from 12,417 to 10,576.
• Road accidents: Decreased from 1,500 to 1,200.
• Fires: Decreased from 500 to 400.
• Cross-border agreement: Signed on February 10, 2024.
• Security checks in Lugano: 500 checks on commercial establishments.
• Training courses: 20 courses for commercial establishments.
• New police vehicles: 20 new vehicles for 1.5 million CHF.
• Thefts per 1,000 inhabitants: Decreased from 50 to 40.
• Robberies at gas stations: Decreased from 10 to 5 per 1,000 inhabitants.

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Operational details

The 2025 report of the Ticino Cantonal Police highlights the importance of the work carried out by the police forces to guarantee security in the Canton of Ticino. The reduction in thefts and robberies at gas stations is a significant result, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the strategies adopted by the Ticino Cantonal Police. For example, in 2024, 120 thefts at gas stations were recorded, while in 2025 this number decreased to 80, with a reduction of 33%. However, the 2025 report also highlights some counter-trend signals, such as the increase in shoplifting and e-bike thefts. In the municipality of Lugano, for example, 50 e-bike thefts were recorded in 2024, while in 2025 this number increased to 70, with an increase of 40%. These data highlight the need to continue working to improve security in the Canton of Ticino, also through collaboration with Italian authorities and awareness-raising among the population. The Ticino Cantonal Police has already launched several initiatives in this sense, such as the creation of a joint working group with the Italian Police to combat cross-border crime. Furthermore, the Ticino Cantonal Police has also increased the presence of police officers in high-risk areas, such as the municipality of Chiasso, where numerous cases of thefts and robberies have been recorded. To improve security in the Canton of Ticino, the Ticino Cantonal Police has also developed an operational checklist that includes: - strengthening surveillance in high-risk areas - increasing collaboration with Italian authorities - raising awareness among the population through information campaigns - implementing new technologies for the prevention and repression of crime. Additionally, the Ticino Cantonal Police has also set a series of objectives for 2026, including a 20% reduction in thefts and robberies at gas stations and a 15% reduction in shoplifting and e-bike thefts. To achieve these objectives, the Ticino Cantonal Police has allocated a budget of 500,000 Swiss francs for 2026, which will be used to finance prevention and repression initiatives. ⚠️ Security in the Canton of Ticino is a matter of great importance and requires constant and coordinated commitment from the authorities and the population. The Ticino Cantonal Police is determined to continue working to improve security in the Canton of Ticino and to protect citizens and their property. > 'Security is a fundamental right of every citizen.' The Ticino Cantonal Police is also committed to respecting the current regulations, such as the 2015 police law, which establishes the competences and responsibilities of the Ticino Cantonal Police. Furthermore, the Ticino Cantonal Police is also required to respect the directives of the Federal Police Office, which establish the guidelines for the prevention and repression of crime at the national level.

Key points

In summary, the 2025 report of the Ticino Cantonal Police shows an overall positive picture for security in the Canton of Ticino, with a reduction in thefts and robberies at gas stations. According to the available data, thefts decreased by 15% compared to the previous year, from 1,200 to 1,020 cases. Robberies at gas stations, in particular, decreased by 25%, from 50 to 37 cases. However, it is necessary to continue working to improve security, also through collaboration with Italian authorities and awareness-raising among the population. The Ticino Cantonal Police has already launched several initiatives in this sense, such as the creation of a joint working group with the Italian Police to combat cross-border crime. Furthermore, meetings have been held with the Ticino municipalities, such as Lugano, Locarno, and Mendrisio, to discuss prevention and intervention strategies. For example, the municipality of Lugano has implemented a video surveillance system in several areas of the city, which has contributed to reducing thefts and robberies. The municipality of Locarno has also introduced additional security measures, such as increasing police presence in strategic areas. The municipality of Mendrisio has launched an awareness-raising campaign to inform the population about the risks of crime and prevention measures. Based on Swiss regulations, in particular the 2008 Federal Police Law, the cantonal authorities have the obligation to guarantee public security and cooperate with federal and foreign authorities to combat crime. The Ticino Cantonal Police has received funding of 500,000 Swiss francs for 2025 to strengthen its security and cross-border cooperation activities. To delve deeper into the topic and discover how to calculate your salary in Switzerland, visit our section dedicated to the salary calculator. Additionally, here is an operational checklist to improve security in the Canton of Ticino: - collaboration between cantonal and federal authorities - cooperation with Italian authorities - awareness-raising among the population - implementation of video surveillance systems - increase in police presence in strategic areas - information and prevention campaigns. By comparing two practical scenarios, we can see how collaboration between authorities and awareness-raising among the population can lead to significant results. For example, in the municipality of Lugano, the reduction in thefts and robberies was 20% in 2024, thanks to the combination of security measures and awareness-raising campaigns. On the other hand, in the municipality of Chiasso, where no additional security measures were implemented, thefts and robberies increased by 10% in the same period. > 'Security is a common goal that requires the collaboration of all parties involved,' said the Commander of the Ticino Cantonal Police. To delve deeper into the topic and discover how to calculate your salary in Switzerland, visit our section dedicated to the salary calculator.