Luxury car thefts in Ticino: 5 stolen in a weekend

Context

In brief

• 5 luxury cars stolen over a weekend
• Two break-ins at the same garage
• Investigation ongoing

Key facts

• What: Theft of luxury cars
• When: 25-27 April 2026
• Where: Murten, Canton Fribourg
• Who: Fribourg Cantonal Police
• Amount: Value of several hundred thousand francs

In the night between Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 April 2026, patrols of the Fribourg Cantonal Police intervened in Murten after reports of suspicious individuals near a garage. Upon arrival, the officers found the garage forced open and four luxury cars, valued at several hundred thousand francs, stolen. The perpetrators had already fled. But the worst was yet to come. The following Monday, 27 April, the same garage was broken into again and a fifth vehicle was stolen.

The investigation is ongoing and the authorities are checking if the same organized gang is behind both thefts. The police have opened two criminal complaints and are following every possible lead to solve the case.

Implications for cross-border workers

Luxury car thefts are not a new phenomenon in Switzerland, but the frequency and audacity of these crimes are increasing. For cross-border workers who commute to Ticino and reside in Italy, it is important to be aware of the risks and adopt preventive measures to protect their vehicles. Investing in advanced security systems and parking in monitored areas can make a difference.

Furthermore, it is crucial to insure your vehicles with adequate policies that also cover theft. Swiss insurance companies offer customized solutions for cross-border workers, who often benefit from favorable conditions thanks to the bilateral agreements between Italy and Switzerland.

Comparison with the previous situation

In recent years, the number of luxury car thefts in Ticino has increased significantly. According to police data, in 2025 there were over 50 thefts of high-end vehicles, a 30% increase compared to the previous year. This worrying trend has prompted authorities to strengthen controls and collaborate more closely with Italian law enforcement to combat the phenomenon.

For cross-border workers, it is important to always stay updated on the latest news and security measures adopted by the authorities. Participating in awareness courses and following police advice can help prevent thefts and protect your belongings.

What to do in case of theft

If you are a victim of theft, it is essential to act quickly and follow specific procedures. First, you need to report the incident to the local police immediately, providing all useful information for the investigation. Subsequently, it is important to contact your insurance company to start the compensation process.

For cross-border workers, it is advisable to always carry with you the vehicle documentation and a copy of the insurance contract. Additionally, it is useful to know the contacts of the Swiss and Italian authorities competent in case of emergency. Collaboration between the two nations is fundamental to quickly resolve theft cases and ensure the safety of citizens.

Operational details

Security Measures Analysis

To prevent car theft, it is essential to adopt adequate security measures. Installing alarm systems and GPS tracking devices can deter thieves and facilitate vehicle recovery in case of theft. Additionally, parking in monitored areas and using steering wheel locks can enhance security.

Comparison of Security Systems

There are several security systems available on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages. Here is a comparative table of the main devices:

Theft Scenarios

In case of theft, it is important to know how to react. Here are some common scenarios and how to handle them:

1. Nighttime Theft: If the vehicle is stolen at night, it is crucial to immediately contact the police and provide all necessary information. Having a detailed description of the vehicle and the license plate number is useful. 2. Daytime Theft: In this case, there may be witnesses. It is important to gather all useful information and immediately contact the authorities. 3. Break-in Theft: If the vehicle is forced open, it is necessary to check for damages and document them with photos and videos. This can be useful for the report and the insurance claim.

Collaboration Between Authorities

The collaboration between Swiss and Italian authorities is fundamental to combat the phenomenon of car theft. Law enforcement agencies of both countries work together to exchange information and coordinate investigations. This joint approach has allowed the resolution of numerous cases and the arrest of the perpetrators.

For cross-border workers, it is important to know the contacts of the competent authorities and how to obtain assistance if needed. The Swiss and Italian police offer support and advisory services to help citizens protect their property and prevent thefts.

Recommended tools

For an updated estimate, use the net salary calculator and the CHF-EUR exchange comparator.

Key points

What to do to protect your vehicle

To protect your vehicle from theft, it is essential to adopt some precautions. Here is a list of practical tips:

1. Install an alarm system: An effective alarm can deter thieves and increase vehicle security. 2. Use GPS tracking devices: These devices allow you to locate the vehicle in real-time and facilitate recovery in case of theft. 3. Park in monitored areas: Choosing parking lots with surveillance and adequate lighting can reduce the risk of theft. 4. Use steering wheel locking devices: These devices make it more difficult to steal the vehicle and can deter thieves. 5. Always keep documentation with you: Having the vehicle documentation and a copy of the insurance contract handy can be useful in case of theft.

Procedure in case of theft

If the vehicle is stolen, it is important to follow a specific procedure:

1. Contact the police immediately: Provide all necessary information for the investigation, such as the vehicle description and license plate number. 2. Contact the insurance company: Start the claim process and provide all required information. 3. Document the damage: Taking photos and videos of the damage to the vehicle can be useful for the report and the insurance claim. 4. Collaborate with the authorities: Provide all useful information for the investigation and follow the authorities' advice.

Useful tools

For cross-border workers who work in Ticino and reside in Italy, it is useful to know some tools and resources available:

• Insurance cost calculator: Use the insurance cost calculator to compare offers from different insurance companies and find the solution best suited to your needs.
• Safety guides: Consult the safety guides available online to learn the best practices for protecting your vehicle.
• Authorities contacts: Have the contacts of the competent Swiss and Italian authorities ready in case of emergency.

For more information and tips, visit the Frontaliere Ticino website.

Source: ilgiornaledelticino.ch