Lausanne’s Bel-Air Square Grapples With Rising Crime
Shopkeepers in Lausanne are reporting a surge in criminal activity around Bel-Air Square, one of the city’s busiest hubs. Businesses are struggling with thefts, intimidation, and even violence, creating an atmosphere of unease for both employees and customers.
Businesses Under Siege
The Bel-Air tower, known for its American-style architecture, stands at the heart of Lausanne, where thousands pass daily. However, local shopkeepers say the square has become a magnet for criminal behavior, particularly since renovations closed the Place de la Riponne, displacing marginalized individuals.
An employee at a local chocolatier stated the situation has become “even more unbearable”
and that “My colleague has been going to work for a few months now with a bad feeling, and our customers do not always venture into our shop.”
Along a 50-meter stretch of the Rue de Terreaux, shop employees recount frequent encounters with intimidation, theft, violence, and property damage. The kiosk on the corner faces approximately ten thefts weekly. According to the owner, filing charges is too time-consuming: «No, the procedure is far too complex for us – we simply don’t have time for that. Otherwise we would not do anything else all day, you know! »
Many businesses simply ask thieves to return stolen items and not return. A kiosk employee noted, “In truth, there are above all some weird shapes – striking through their unusual behavior – that ensure noticeable tension in the neighborhood.”
Commuters Seek Alternative Routes
The pervasive sense of unease is driving commuters to avoid the area. Some have started taking the bus two stops further to bypass the Bel-Air stop, saying, “This place in Lausanne is no longer available!”
Intrusive beggars and conspicuous behavior exacerbate the problem, especially on the narrow sidewalk near the bus stop.
The situation is drawing comparisons to areas in San Francisco plagued by drug issues, with instances of public urination, screaming, and individuals behaving erratically. A chocolatier employee recounts frequent disruptions, saying, “Once one ran across the shop, took a start and plunged with full force on our chocolate fountain.”
Fooby Faces Challenges
Fooby, a Coop Concept Store, located on Rue de Terreaux, faces unique challenges due to its terrace, on-site food consumption, and alcohol sales. An employee stated, “We really have the entire arsenal to get into trouble every day,”
and added, “Because of theft we have to call the police regularly, and our customers are often bothered on our terrace. Not to mention that we have to accompany people all day with problematic behavior. »
A dog owner reported a near-attempted dog theft. According to Petfinder.com, dog theft is a growing concern, with certain breeds and unattended animals being particularly vulnerable.
Police Response
When contacted, the Lausanne city police acknowledged the issues of begging and drug activity on Bel-Air-Platz. Police spokeswoman Alexia Hagenlocher stated, “The police therefore pay special attention to this place.”
She added, “Our patrols are regularly on site, carry out people’s checks and, if necessary, also determine someone. During your tours, you will also seek talking to the business owners to assess the situation as best as possible. Since October 2024, its own telephone hotline has also been available. »
Although business owners believe the situation has worsened since the construction work on Place de la Riponne, the police can “not be able to confirm a real connection between the work and the situation on Bel-Air-Square”.
Despite the challenges, a chocolatier employee said she has no plans to change jobs, even after a colleague was attacked leaving the shop one evening.
