An armed man robbed a second-hand shop on Bümplizstrasse in Bern on Saturday morning, threatening an employee with a pistol before escaping with an undisclosed amount of cash. The Bern Cantonal Police have initiated a large-scale search for the suspect and are appealing to the public for information.
The incident occurred just before 8:00 AM as a female employee was preparing to open the store for the day. The employee was not physically injured during the confrontation.
Key Takeaways
- An armed robbery took place at a Brockenhaus on Bümplizstrasse, Bern, on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
- A lone male suspect threatened a female employee with a pistol shortly before the store's opening time of 8:00 AM.
- The suspect fled the scene on foot with cash stored in a white shopping bag.
- The employee was physically unharmed, and a manhunt for the perpetrator is currently underway.
- Police have issued a public appeal for witnesses to come forward with any relevant information.
Details of the Robbery
The robbery unfolded in the early morning hours on what should have been a routine start to the weekend's business. According to a statement from the Bern Cantonal Police, the suspect waited for the employee to arrive and intercepted her as she was about to unlock the premises. The timing suggests the act was premeditated, targeting the store during a vulnerable moment before other staff or customers were present.
The man brandished a pistol and demanded money from the saleswoman. After she complied, he placed the cash into a white shopping bag he was carrying. He then fled the scene on foot, disappearing in an unknown direction before authorities could be alerted and arrive.
Emergency services responded to the call, but the suspect had already vanished. The employee, while physically safe, was attended to by support personnel. The police have not disclosed the amount of money stolen, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Police Investigation and Public Appeal
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Forensic teams were dispatched to the Bümplizstrasse location to gather evidence, and officers have been canvassing the area for potential leads and surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Official Police Statement
The Bern Cantonal Police officially confirmed the incident in a press release, stating: "An investigation was immediately launched following the robbery on Bümplizstrasse. We are actively searching for the suspect and urge anyone who was in the area and noticed anything unusual to contact us immediately."
A detailed description of the suspect has not yet been released to the public, likely pending further witness interviews and review of available evidence. The police have, however, issued a formal call for witnesses. They are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who was near the Brockenhaus between 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM on Saturday morning.
Individuals who may have seen a man matching the general description or carrying a white shopping bag are strongly encouraged to come forward. Even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in identifying and apprehending the perpetrator.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The brazen nature of the daylight robbery has caused concern among local residents and business owners in the Bümpliz-Oberbottigen district. Armed robberies, particularly those targeting retail employees, are relatively uncommon in the area, and the event has disrupted the community's sense of security.
Shop owners along Bümplizstrasse are reportedly reviewing their own security protocols, especially concerning opening and closing procedures, which are often the most vulnerable times for retail establishments.
Context: Robberies in Bern
While Bern maintains a reputation as a safe city, incidents of robbery do occur. Police statistics generally show that such crimes often target businesses during off-peak hours. Law enforcement agencies in the canton have established protocols for responding to armed threats, focusing on de-escalation and evidence collection to ensure swift investigations.
Local community groups have expressed their support for the affected employee and the business. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by retail workers and the importance of vigilance and robust security measures.
What Happens Next
The immediate priority for the Bern Cantonal Police is to locate and arrest the suspect. The investigation will continue to expand, with detectives following up on every lead provided by the public.
The police have emphasized that citizens should not attempt to approach or confront anyone they believe may be the suspect, as he is considered armed and potentially dangerous. Instead, they should immediately contact the authorities with their observations.
For the Brockenhaus and its staff, the focus will be on recovery and ensuring the well-being of the employee involved. Support services are typically offered to victims of such traumatic events. The business will also likely cooperate closely with police as the investigation proceeds and may implement enhanced security measures to prevent future incidents.
Bern News Today will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available from the Bern Cantonal Police.