A 34-year-old man has been arrested following a robbery at a jewelry store in Bern's Neuengass-Passage on Tuesday afternoon. The suspect was apprehended after being chased and detained by the owner of a neighboring business until police arrived.
The incident, which occurred shortly before 3:00 PM on February 3, 2026, resulted in the minor injury of a store employee and the theft of approximately 1,000 Swiss francs worth of jewelry. All stolen items have since been recovered.
Key Takeaways
- A man robbed a jewelry store in the Neuengass-Passage in Bern.
- A neighboring business owner chased and held the suspect for police.
- A 34-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.
- A store employee sustained minor injuries while trying to stop the thief.
- All stolen jewelry, valued at around 1,000 CHF, was recovered.
Robbery Unfolds in City Center
The afternoon calm in Bern's busy Neuengass-Passage was broken when a man entered a jewelry store with the intent to steal. According to the Bern Canton Police, the individual went behind the counter and took several pieces of jewelry.
As the man attempted to leave the premises, a female employee acted quickly to prevent his escape. She tried to block the exit door, leading to a brief struggle. The suspect managed to force his way out of the shop, injuring the employee in the process. Authorities have confirmed her injuries are minor.
A Citizen's Intervention
The commotion did not go unnoticed. The employee's calls for help alerted the owner of a nearby business, who immediately realized something was wrong and sprang into action.
Without hesitation, the neighboring shop owner began pursuing the fleeing suspect on foot. The chase continued through the city streets until the citizen managed to catch up with and detain the man near Langmauerweg. He held the suspect there until police units, who had been dispatched immediately, arrived at the scene to take over.
This act of civic duty was crucial in the swift apprehension of the alleged thief, preventing his escape with the stolen goods and ensuring he was brought into custody promptly.
Stolen Goods Recovered
The total value of the stolen jewelry is estimated to be around 1,000 Swiss francs. A portion of the items was found on the suspect at the time of his arrest.
Police Investigation and K-9 Unit Success
Upon their arrival, officers from the Bern Canton Police formally arrested the 34-year-old suspect. He was transported to a local police station for questioning and further processing.
During the initial search, police found some of the stolen jewelry on the man. However, not all items were accounted for. To locate the remaining pieces, a specialized K-9 unit was deployed to trace the suspect's escape route from the Neuengass-Passage to Langmauerweg.
The police service dog successfully located the rest of the missing jewelry, which had been discarded along the path of the chase. This ensured the complete recovery of all stolen property from the robbery.
Legal Proceedings
The case is now being managed by the regional public prosecutor's office for Bern-Mittelland. This authority is responsible for conducting the formal investigation and determining the charges that will be brought against the suspect. The man remains in custody and is expected to face the justice system for his actions.
Community Response and Safety
The incident highlights the significant role that alert and brave citizens can play in maintaining public safety. The quick thinking and decisive action of both the store employee and the neighboring business owner were instrumental in resolving the situation effectively.
While authorities generally advise caution in such situations, this event serves as a powerful example of community members looking out for one another. The successful capture and recovery of stolen items were a direct result of their intervention, complementing the rapid response from law enforcement.
The investigation continues, but the immediate threat was neutralized thanks to a combined effort from a vigilant public and professional police work.