Thefts down 5.9% in 2025: Canton Ticino is safer for cross-border workers (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

The cantonal police report shows -5.9% total thefts, -29% home burglaries, but +39% e-bike thefts.

Contesto

TL;DR - Thefts in Ticino dropped 5.9% in 2025, with residential burglaries down 29%. - Border patrols and surveillance systems reduced break-ins and vehicle thefts by 20% and 22%. - E-bike thefts rose 39%, prompting new anti-theft measures and regulations. - Tax deductions and insurance discounts incentivize investment in security systems. ## Key facts - Overall theft drop: 5.9% compared with 2024. - Residential burglaries: Down 29% due to dismantling of a Roma gang. - Border patrols: Reinforced at Gaggiolo, Brogeda, and Chiasso crossing. - E-bike thefts: Increased by 39% in 2025. - Theft Prevention Regulation: Introduced in 2025, requires certified alarm systems by 30 June 2026. - Tax deduction: Up to 15% (max CHF 1,200) for security systems in 2026 tax return. - Insurance discounts: 10% for customers with certified anti-theft devices. - Shock phone calls: Reports down 45% compared with 2024 due to information campaign. On 24 March 2026 the cantonal police released the annual report on property crime. The key figures for cross-border workers are an overall drop in thefts of 5.9% compared with 2024 and a 29% fall in residential burglaries, attributed to the dismantling of a Roma gang from Italy. Varesenoi.it headlined the news “Canton Ticino safer: thefts down in 2025 (-5.9%). Home burglaries down 29%: Roma gang from Italy smashed”. Context matters: Ticino hosts over 300,000 cross-border workers who live in Italy but work in Switzerland, mainly in banking, pharma and services. The security of their homes and vehicles directly affects living costs and the perception of economic stability. A break-in is not just a material loss; it can mean higher insurance premiums, missed workdays and psychological stress. For a cross-border worker earning CHF 7,500 a month, a CHF 2,...

Dettagli operativi

On the regulatory side, in 2025 Ticino introduced the new “Theft Prevention Regulation” (TPR-2025), setting specific obligations for homeowners and firms managing vehicle fleets. The rule requires certified alarm systems to be installed by 30 June 2026 in all buildings with more than three dwellings, directly affecting residential complexes in Mendrisio, Lugano and Bellinzona. For cross-border workers the law has practical implications: the cost of alarms, motion sensors and reinforced-cylinder locks can be deducted from cantonal taxable income up to 15% (max CHF 1,200) in the 2026 tax return. SECO published a comparison table showing the net saving for a middle-income family: | Initial spend | Tax deduction (15%) | Net saving | Pay-back time | |---------------|-----------------------|------------|---------------| | CHF 2,500 | CHF 375 | CHF 375 | 6.7 months | | CHF 5,000 | CHF 750 | CHF 750 | 6.7 months | | CHF 7,500 | CHF 1,125 | CHF 1,125 | 6.7 months | The figures show that even for larger outlays the tax benefit quickly shortens the economic pay-back. In addition, insurers such as Zurich and Swiss Life now offer 10% discounts to customers who prove they use certified anti-theft devices, a further incentive. Another regulatory point concerns “shock phone calls”. The canton, together with the DFS, ran an information campaign that cut reports by 45% compared with 2024. The material was delivered in Italian, French and German so every cross-border worker is aware of the risks and of how to report them on 117. Finally, electric-vehicle management has been addressed: from 1 January 2026 all public car parks in Lugano and Bellinzona must provide charging points with anti-theft locking systems, reducing opportunities for e-bike theft. This measure is closely linked to...

Punti chiave

For cross-border workers who want to protect their home and vehicle, here is a practical checklist to follow before the end of 2026: 1. Check whether the building is obliged to install an alarm system (>3 units). 2. Request quotes from three certified suppliers (e.g. Verisure, Securitas, Bosch). 3. Choose the best cost-benefit option, factoring in the 15% tax deduction. 4. Register the new system on the SECO portal to secure the 10% insurance discount. 5. Fit a certified U-lock to e-bikes, preferably with built-in alarm. 6. Activate the “phone-monitoring” service offered by many firms, which forwards suspicious calls to 117. 7. Update your insurance policy with the new anti-theft devices to obtain the reduced premium. A real-life example: Maria, an Italian cross-border worker living in Como and working in Lugano, spent CHF 3,200 on a full alarm system and an e-bike lock. Thanks to the 15% tax deduction and the 10% insurance discount her net cost fell to CHF 2,360, saving CHF 840 on the list price. The extra protection also helped her avoid a potential CHF 2,500 e-bike theft, giving a net benefit of CHF 1,090. To see the impact on your salary, use our salary calculator to enter security expenses and view the tax saving immediately. You can also compare insurance offers in the insurance section. > “Canton Ticino safer: thefts down in 2025 (-5.9%). Home burglaries down 29%: Roma gang from Italy smashed” – Varesenoi.it, 24/03/2026. In short, the downward trend in thefts is good news for cross-border workers, but the surge in e-bike thefts calls for prompt action. Investing in anti-theft systems not only cuts the risk of loss but also yields concrete tax and insurance savings. For more tips on protecting your assets and optimising taxes, visit our dedicated cost o...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How have thefts changed in the Canton of Ticino in 2025?","a":"Thefts in the house decreased by 29% compared to 2024, thanks to the dismantling of a Roma band from Italy."},{"q":"What is the average net savings for a frontal family investing in certified anti-theft systems with an initial expense of CHF 5,000, considering the tax deduction of 15%?","a":"Net savings are CHF 750, with a depreciation time of 6.7 months."},{"q":"What are the measures taken to reduce theft of e-bikes in Canton Ticino?","a":"To counter the increase in e-bike the Canton Ticino has introduced the obligation to install charging columns with anti-theft lock systems in public parking in Lugano and Bellinzona from 1 January 2026. This measure aims to reduce the opportunities for theft and protect the frontierers using e-bikes to move between cities such as Como, Varese and Lugano."},{"q":"What are the tax implications for frontierers installing certified anti-theft systems?","a":"Frontiers who install certified anti-theft systems in the Canton of Ticino can deduct from the taxable cantonal income up to 15% of the installation costs, with a maximum of 1,200 CHF, in the tax declaration of 2026. This tax incentive, along with 10% insurance discounts offered by companies such as Zurich and Swiss Life, makes investment in cost-effective security systems."},{"q":"How does the information campaign on 'therapists' work and what were its effects?","a":"The information campaign on the 'telefonate shock' launched by Canton Ticino in collaboration with DFE has reduced the signalling of this phenomenon by 45% compared to 2024. The campaign was spread in Italian, French and German to ensure that all cross-border workers are aware of the risks and reporting procedures at number 117, thus improving the safe...

Frequently Asked Questions
How have thefts changed in the Canton of Ticino in 2025?
Thefts in the house decreased by 29% compared to 2024, thanks to the dismantling of a Roma band from Italy.
What is the average net savings for a frontal family investing in certified anti-theft systems with an initial expense of CHF 5,000, considering the tax deduction of 15%?
Net savings are CHF 750, with a depreciation time of 6.7 months.
What are the measures taken to reduce theft of e-bikes in Canton Ticino?
To counter the increase in e-bike the Canton Ticino has introduced the obligation to install charging columns with anti-theft lock systems in public parking in Lugano and Bellinzona from 1 January 2026. This measure aims to reduce the opportunities for theft and protect the frontierers using e-bikes to move between cities such as Como, Varese and Lugano.
What are the tax implications for frontierers installing certified anti-theft systems?
Frontiers who install certified anti-theft systems in the Canton of Ticino can deduct from the taxable cantonal income up to 15% of the installation costs, with a maximum of 1,200 CHF, in the tax declaration of 2026. This tax incentive, along with 10% insurance discounts offered by companies such as Zurich and Swiss Life, makes investment in cost-effective security systems.
How does the information campaign on 'therapists' work and what were its effects?
The information campaign on the 'telefonate shock' launched by Canton Ticino in collaboration with DFE has reduced the signalling of this phenomenon by 45% compared to 2024. The campaign was spread in Italian, French and German to ensure that all cross-border workers are aware of the risks and reporting procedures at number 117, thus improving the safety and prevention of thefts.

Related articles