Swiss Post Limits “Ribbon Advertising” distribution, Concerns Remain Over Burglary Risk
Bern, Switzerland – Swiss Post has adjusted distribution days for unsolicited “ribbon advertising”-flyers inserted directly into mailbox slots-limiting delivery to Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. The change, implemented for organizational reasons, comes as the practice continues to draw criticism from both residents and crime prevention officials.
Ten years ago, this type of advertising was delivered daily, Monday through Friday, with a requirement that it be removed by the following day. While the post office maintains it has seen no evidence linking the advertising to increased burglaries, Swiss crime prevention groups argue the visible accumulation of mail in slots signals potential homeowner absence.
“It is indeed effectively so that we have no knowledge of where a slump in connection with rod advertising would have been brought,” stated Swiss Post spokeswoman Silvana Grellmann, responding to concerns about a correlation between the advertising and break-ins. Despite the post office’s stance, residents wishing to avoid the unsolicited mail can utilize “stop advertising” stickers affixed to their mailboxes. The issue was recently highlighted by Swiss broadcaster SRF’s Kassensturz Espresso program.
