Train Station Safety Ticino 2026 | Frontaliere Ticino
Train Station Safety Ticino 2026 — free tools and expert guides for cross-border workers (frontalieri) between Switzerland and Italy. Compare salaries, tax, LAMal health insurance, pensions, and cost of living in Ticino. Updated 2026.
Context
In recent months, Canton Ticino has seen a significant increase in incidents of violence, assaults, and thefts at railway stations and aboard trains, particularly in the Mendrisiotto and Luganese areas. According to data from the Cantonal Police, between January and April 2026, there were 47 documented cases of assaults and 63 thefts at the stations of Chiasso, Mendrisio, Lugano, and Massagno, marking a 28% rise compared to the same period the previous year. This situation worries not only the cross-border commuters who daily pass through the Brogeda and Gaggiolo crossings, with an estimated flow of over 30,000 people per day, but also the local communities of municipalities such as Mendrisio, Balerna, and Viganello, which are demanding immediate interventions to ensure safety. The Free Democratic Party (FDP), through a parliamentary question submitted on March 10, 2026, by Councilor Andrea Rigamonti and signed by six other parliamentarians, brought to public attention the call for a more effective and coordinated presence between cantonal and federal authorities to guarantee security at key railway transport points. The document references the recent theft with a chase that occurred on April 15 in Mendrisio, where a man was stopped after threatening other passengers with a knife, an episode that raised concerns about the effectiveness of current controls. The text highlights how these incidents are not isolated cases but represent a growing trend that risks undermining travelers’ trust in public transport services. The stations of Bellinzona, Lugano, and Locarno, key points in the Ticino railway network, are under increasing pressure, with a 15% rise in daily infrastructure usage, due to both commuter traffic and tourism, especially with international events schedule...
Operational details
To effectively address the issue of violence and theft in stations and trains, it is necessary to examine the current regulatory framework and the responsibilities of the authorities involved. In Switzerland, public transport security is regulated at both cantonal and federal levels, with the Cantonal Police having direct jurisdiction over the territory, while the Federal Police (fedpol) intervenes in more complex or cross-border cases, as established by the Federal Act on Police and Internal Security (LPSI), effective since 2023. In Canton Ticino, the Department of Institutions (DFI) coordinates security activities in collaboration with the Department of Economy and Culture (DECS), which oversees public transport services. Railway stations, being strategically important infrastructures, require a constant and integrated presence. The recent 2026 public safety regulations, particularly Cantonal Decree No. 142/2026, push for increased controls and more efficient use of surveillance technologies, such as high-definition cameras and real-time alert systems. The Council of State is called upon to consider increasing the number of police officers present at the stations of Bellinzona, Lugano, Mendrisio, and Locarno, especially during peak hours from 7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. In 2023, over 120 incidents of theft and assaults were recorded at the main Ticino stations, a 15% increase compared to the previous year. At the same time, closer collaboration is planned with railway operators, including Tilo and SBB, to enhance staff training and improve communication in emergencies. A concrete example involves adopting an integrated security plan that includes: - A fixed presence of at least 10 police officers at strategic stations during peak hours - Regular patrols aboard trai...
Key points
For commuters and cross-border workers who daily transit through Ticino’s crossings and stations, adopting practical measures to ensure personal safety is essential. According to Cantonal Police data, in 2025 there were 128 incidents of theft and assaults recorded at the Chiasso and Mendrisio stations, a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Here is an operational checklist to protect yourself effectively: 1. Stay alert and aware: avoid distractions from smartphones or headphones, especially in less frequented or isolated areas such as the external parking lots of the Balerna and Stabio stations. 2. Never leave bags, backpacks, or valuables unattended; always keep control, especially during peak hours between 7-9 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. 3. Report suspicious behavior or assault incidents promptly to law enforcement via emergency number 117 or to railway staff present at stations like Lugano and Bellinzona. 4. Preferably use video-monitored areas: the Chiasso and Mendrisio stations are equipped with cameras active 24/7, and it is advisable to choose carriages guarded or adjacent to traveling staff. 5. Download emergency apps like “Alertswiss” and always keep police numbers handy for quick calls if needed. From an institutional perspective, security reinforcement is underway. Responding to the FDP parliamentary question of March 2026, the Council of State announced an operational plan to integrate police personnel by December 2026 at stations considered critical, including Chiasso, Mendrisio, and Lugano. The project foresees an initial investment of 1.2 million francs for installing new video surveillance systems and increasing patrols, in line with the 2022 Federal Police Act, which allocates funds for public safety in border cantons. Another key element is collaborati...