Theft (simple theft, pickpocketing or theft by trick)

File a complaint for simple theft, pickpocketing or theft by trick in Switzerland

A wallet slipped from your pocket, a bag left unattended and gone within minutes, or someone who distracted you in order to steal from you… These are examples of simple theft, also called theft without violence: no threat, no assault, but property taken from…

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5-10 min to complete the form
29 CHF one-time payment
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A wallet slipped from your pocket, a bag left unattended and gone within minutes, or someone who distracted you in order to steal from you… These are examples of simple theft, also called theft without violence: no threat, no assault, but property taken from you without any right.

These situations often happen on public transport, in the street, in shops, or even at home. They leave a sense of powerlessness, injustice, sometimes betrayal. And yet many hesitate to react, out of discouragement or lack of time.

Quiet gestures, ordinary places

On public transport

A phone slipped from a pocket on the tram, bus or train. You often notice only after you have got off.

In a shop or market

A distraction at the till, a bag set down for two minutes, a crowd pushing: the move is quick, without violence.

Street, terrace, lobby

A jacket on a chair, a bag by a table leg, a wallet in an open coat. That is not “your fault”.

Why file a complaint?

Even if the stolen item seems of little value or the experience feels ordinary, filing a complaint matters. It lets you formalise the facts and protect your rights.

For you, it is often essential:

  • to obtain a refund from your insurer,
  • to have an official record of the incident,
  • to recover, sometimes, the lost or stolen item.
  • identify sensitive areas where thefts are frequent,
  • spot repeated behaviour and methods of operation,
  • act in a targeted way to prevent further offences.

What will make your statement clearer

  • The place (stop, shop, street) and approximate time
  • The item: type, make, colour, distinctive marks
  • How you realised it was gone
  • A witness, a camera, someone nearby : if you know
  • A photo of the spot, if you have one

Start my complaint

You did not see the offender? That is not a barrier. Describing what you noticed is enough to leave an official record.

How does it work?

1

Complete

I complete my complaint form online, calmly, at my own pace. I describe what happened and add the relevant information.

2

Print

Once finished, I receive the form by e-mail. I download it and print it so that I can sign it.

3

Send

I sign the document and send it by post to the competent authority, whose address appears on the form.

Our role, plainly

We guide you through a structured form. We do not replace the police: you print, sign and send the document to the authority indicated.

Processing the complaint remains the exclusive responsibility of the cantonal authorities.

Other situations

File a complaint now.

Have you been the victim of a theft or of damage? Do not leave the matter unresolved.

In a few minutes you can describe what happened and start a simple process without travelling. Your statement matters : for you, for others, and so that the facts are taken into account.

Start now : we guide you step by step.

Start my complaint

Frequently asked questions

What is theft without violence?
Theft without violence is an offence committed without physical threat, without assault and without a break-in. It may be a wallet taken discreetly, a bag stolen after a distraction, or theft by ruse. This type of theft often goes unnoticed at the time, but remains a criminal offence to report.
Does this kind of theft really count?
Yes, absolutely. Even without violence, these thefts have a real impact. Filing a complaint lets you assert your rights, alert the authorities and contribute to collective security. Every statement is useful.
I did not see the thief. Can I still file a complaint?
Yes. In pickpocketing or theft by trick, the victim often does not see the offender. You can file a complaint by describing what you observed, even after the event.
Where do these thefts generally take place?
These thefts often occur on public transport, in the street, in shops, at markets or in busy places. They can also happen at home if the offender used a ruse or a distraction.
Do I have to go to the police station?
No. Thanks to ma-plainte.ch, you can do everything online: complete the form, receive it by e-mail, sign it, then send it by post. You thus avoid travelling.
Is it really useful, even if I have little information?
Yes. Even if you do not know the offender, your complaint helps the authorities detect sensitive areas or recurring patterns. Every statement counts.
Is there a charge?
Yes, the ma-plainte.ch service costs 29 CHF. This price includes the preparation of your official complaint, step-by-step support and access to assistance if needed.

Valid in every canton

Canton of Zurich Canton of Bern Canton of Lucerne Canton of Uri Canton of Schwyz Canton of Obwalden Canton of Nidwalden Canton of Glarus Canton of Zug Canton of Fribourg Canton of Solothurn Canton of Basel-Stadt Canton of Basel-Landschaft Canton of Schaffhausen Canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden Canton of St. Gallen Canton of Graubünden Canton of Aargau Canton of Thurgau Canton of Ticino Canton of Vaud Canton of Valais Canton of Neuchâtel Canton of Geneva Canton of Jura