A 20-year-old man from the Bern region has faced multiple charges following a series of legal infractions over a year. These include driving with stolen license plates, possessing burglary tools, and fleeing the scene of an accident. Authorities have issued a conditional monetary penalty and fines totaling thousands of Swiss francs.
Key Takeaways
- A 20-year-old from Bern committed several offenses over a year.
- Police found burglary tools in his vehicle during a stop.
- He was involved in a truck accident on the A12 and left the scene.
- The man also evaded blood and urine tests after the crash.
- He received a conditional fine of 5,280 Swiss francs and must pay 3,050 francs in fines and fees.
Series of Offenses Over One Year
The legal issues for the young man began in October 2023. He stole license plates from Zurich and attached them to his own vehicle. He then drove with these unauthorized plates.
One month later, in November 2023, police stopped his car. During the inspection, officers discovered suspicious items in the vehicle's trunk. These items were later described as 'criminal tools' in the official penal order.
Fact Check
- October 2023: Stole Zurich license plates and used them.
- November 2023: Police found burglary tools in his car.
- July 2024: Involved in a truck accident on the A12.
- November 2024: Caught traveling without a valid ticket on a Postbus.
Discovery of Burglary Tools
During the November 2023 traffic stop, police found a range of items in the man's car. These included a black T-shirt, a crowbar, a hammer, flat pliers, spackling tools, a screwdriver, a flashlight, and gloves. According to the penal order, these tools were intended for a burglary.
Following this discovery, authorities instructed the man to surrender his license plates and vehicle registration. However, he did not comply with this request within the set deadline. This non-compliance added to his growing list of legal violations.
Legal Context
Possession of tools specifically intended for criminal acts, such as burglary, can lead to serious charges in Switzerland. This is especially true when combined with other offenses like driving with stolen plates or evading police procedures.
Highway Accident and Evasion
In July 2024, the 20-year-old was driving a truck on the A12 highway. This incident occurred between Flamatt and Bern. He lost control of the vehicle due to a 'strong steering movement in a slight right turn.'
The truck collided with the curb, the guardrail, and a road sign. The sign, marked 'Niederwangen 1250 m', sustained damage from the impact. Instead of reporting the accident to the police, the man continued driving.
"The truck collided with the curb, the guardrail, and a road sign, which was damaged."
When authorities eventually located him, he refused to provide blood and urine samples. This refusal is another legal offense in Switzerland, often leading to additional penalties, especially in cases involving traffic accidents.
Additional Offenses and Penalties
Six months later, in November 2024, the man was caught traveling without a valid ticket on a Postbus. This incident further extended his pattern of legal non-compliance.
Due to the numerous violations, the young man received a conditional monetary penalty. This penalty amounts to 48 daily rates, each valued at 110 Swiss francs. The total conditional fine is 5,280 Swiss francs.
In addition to the conditional fine, he must pay several mandatory fines and cover the procedural fees. These costs total 3,050 Swiss francs. He also owes Postauto AG 220 Swiss francs in damages for traveling without a ticket.
Authorities confiscated and destroyed the burglary tools found in his vehicle. This action ensures the tools cannot be used for future criminal activity.
Impact of the Case
This case highlights the consequences of repeated legal infractions within a short period. The combination of theft, possession of criminal tools, a hit-and-run accident, and fare evasion resulted in significant financial penalties and a criminal record for the young man.
The confiscation of the tools serves as a measure to prevent future criminal acts. The financial penalties aim to deter similar behavior and cover the costs incurred by the justice system and affected parties.