A 46-year-old German man recently received a suspended sentence and a fine after evading a 70 Swiss franc restaurant bill in Bern. The incident escalated when he resisted arrest at the train station, attacked police officers, and caused damage at the police station. This case highlights the challenges of dealing with repeat offenders in Switzerland, particularly those without a fixed address.
Key Takeaways
- A German man evaded a 70 franc restaurant bill in Bern.
- He attacked police officers at the Bern train station and police station.
- He received a 20-day suspended sentence and a 1,000 franc fine.
- The incident included spitting, throwing food, and verbal threats against officers.
- This case is part of a larger pattern of bill evasion incidents in Switzerland.
Restaurant Bill Evasion Leads to Confrontation
The incident began in late May in a restaurant located in Bern's city center. The 46-year-old German national was dining with a companion. After their meal, which amounted to approximately 70 Swiss francs, the pair left the establishment without paying. This act of bill evasion, known as 'Zechprellerei' in Switzerland, quickly led to police involvement.
According to reports from the «Berner Zeitung», police officers were already waiting for the man and his companion at Bern train station. Authorities apprehended the pair shortly after they fled the restaurant. The situation escalated significantly once they arrived at the police station.
"If I see you outside, I will destroy you," the man reportedly threatened a police officer during the altercation.
Fact: Bill Evasion Penalties
In Switzerland, bill evasion can lead to fines, criminal charges, and even imprisonment depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. The legal term for this is 'Zechprellerei'.
Violence and Threats at Police Station
Upon arrival at the police station, the man's behavior worsened. Court documents detail multiple acts of aggression. He reportedly spat on the floor several times and threw strawberry tarts around the station. He also smeared food residue on seating areas, causing damage and creating an unsanitary environment.
The situation reached a peak when police officers asked the 46-year-old to remove his trousers. At this point, he threw the garment at one of the officers. He then issued severe threats, stating, "If I see you outside, I will destroy you" and "I will find you and finish you." These threats were directed at a police officer, adding charges of violence and threats against authorities.
The man was ultimately charged with multiple offenses. These included violence and threats against authorities and officials, insult, and bill evasion. The total fine imposed was 1,000 Swiss francs, in addition to a conditional prison sentence of 20 days. The original 70 franc bill would have been significantly cheaper.
Context: Police Authority in Switzerland
Swiss police forces operate under strict legal frameworks. Resisting arrest or threatening officers is taken very seriously and carries significant penalties. Public order offenses are also met with firm legal action.
Pattern of Bill Evasion Across Switzerland
This incident in Bern is not an isolated case. Reports from across Switzerland frequently highlight similar instances of bill evasion. These cases often involve individuals who repeatedly refuse to pay for services at restaurants or hotels.
Serial Offender in Basel-Landschaft
One notable example involves another German national who repeatedly evaded restaurant and hotel bills between 2021 and 2022. This individual operated across the Basel-Landschaft canton. He consistently left establishments without paying. When confronted about unpaid bills, he often became aggressive.
- He reportedly choked a landlord at the Dürstel mountain inn in Langenbruck, Basel-Landschaft.
- In Aesch, Basel-Landschaft, he yelled at the owner of a train station kiosk and threw a plate. This occurred after he refused to pay for two coffees and two chocolate croissants.
A major challenge in this case was the offender's lack of a fixed address in Switzerland. This complicated police efforts to track and apprehend him effectively. Such circumstances often make it harder for authorities to serve legal documents and enforce penalties.
Hotel Damage and Theft in Stäfa, Zurich
In 2021, a particularly brazen bill evader rented a room for six weeks at an inn in Stäfa, Zurich. Not only did he fail to pay for his extended stay, but he also caused significant damage to the room. Furthermore, he allegedly stole an electric wheelchair, which was locked, from another guest and then sold it.
In a 2023 trial at the Meilen District Court, prosecutors also accused him of defrauding 43 individuals over several months. These frauds occurred on online platforms such as Tutti and Facebook. The District Court sentenced him to 24 months in prison for these and other offenses.
Large-Scale Hotel Fraud in Uzwil, St. Gallen
Between 2023 and 2024, a 22-year-old woman from Thurgau received multiple criminal orders for various offenses. These included bill evasion, theft, and fraud. Her most significant act involved a nearly two-month stay at a hotel in Uzwil, St. Gallen.
According to the «St. Galler Tagblatt», she booked the hotel room under a false name. She claimed to be associated with the CEO of Fust AG. At the end of her stay, she informed the hotel that the company would settle the bill. However, the hotel never received the invoiced amount of 12,810 Swiss francs. For these and other offenses, the court imposed a total fine of 3,950 francs in 2024. Failure to pay would result in 110 days of imprisonment.
These cases show a persistent problem with bill evasion in Switzerland. Authorities continue to address these incidents, imposing fines and prison sentences to deter future offenses. The financial and legal consequences are often far greater than the original unpaid bills.
