Switzerland: crime and justice

How much crime is there in Switzerland?

Police in Switzerland recorded 554,963 offences under the Swiss Criminal Code in 2025, 1.5% fewer than in 2024, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) police crime statistics. Property offences fell 3.5%, while serious violent offences rose 8.1%. Thefts outnumbered digital offences by around three to one.

The police crime statistics count offences reported to or detected by the cantonal police, not all crime that takes place, so changes can reflect reporting and police activity as well as actual crime. Offences under other laws, such as the road traffic and narcotics acts, are counted separately.

Official sources: Federal Statistical Office (FSO) police crime statistics

How many homicides are there in Switzerland?

There were 55 completed homicides in Switzerland in 2025, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) police crime statistics. 61.8% of them took place in the domestic sphere, that is between partners, former partners or family members.

Completed homicides count killings, not attempts, which are recorded separately among serious violent offences. Because the number is small, it can change noticeably from year to year, so trends are best read over several years. The FSO also runs an additional survey of homicide cases that gives more detail on victims, suspects and circumstances.

Official sources: Federal Statistical Office (FSO) police crime statistics

How many people are in prison in Switzerland?

7,119 people were in detention in Switzerland on 31 January 2026, the highest number since the survey began, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). In 2025, courts recorded 111,962 adult convictions in the criminal record register.

The detention count covers everyone held on the reference day, including people serving sentences, in pre-trial detention and in detention pending deportation. Most convictions do not lead to prison: the FSO reports that a suspended monetary penalty remains the most frequent sentence, and short unsuspended custodial sentences are at a historically low level.

Official sources: Federal Statistical Office (FSO)

What is the homicide rate in Switzerland?

In 2023, the intentional homicide rate in Switzerland was 0.6 per 100,000, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Its high point since 2009 was 2013, at 0.7 per 100,000; its low point was 2022, at 0.5 per 100,000. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 1.0 per 100,000, and Switzerland placed 33rd highest of 35. Of 79 countries with 2023 data, 72nd highest.

How many women are murdered in Switzerland?

0.6 per 100,000: that is the homicide rate for women in Switzerland for 2023, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. Its high point since 2005 was 2005, at 1.0 per 100,000; its low point was 2012, at 0.4 per 100,000. It is 22nd highest of 36 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 0.7 per 100,000. Of 78 countries with 2023 data, 57th highest.

How many men are murdered in Switzerland?

According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the homicide rate for men in Switzerland was 0.6 per 100,000 in 2023. The peak was 1.0 per 100,000 in 2005 and the low 0.4 per 100,000 in 2021. It is 36th highest of 36 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 1.3 per 100,000. Worldwide: 73rd of 78.