Violence towards police is on the rise
On average one murder was committed every week in Switzerland in 2009, according to statistics presented on Monday.
Thefts were the most common crimes committed, with almost 250,000 in the year, and there was a trend towards more attacks on the police, with an unprecedented 2,350 cases of violent or threatening behaviour.
The Federal Statistics Office and the Federal Police Office presented joint statistics for the first time on Monday, which they say will give a more precise picture of crimes in Switzerland. However it means a complete year-on-year comparison will not be possible until 2011.
Overall last year there were 51 homicides, 185 attempted murders, 524 cases of serious bodily harm and 666 instances of rape.
While 52 per cent of crimes were committed by Swiss citizens, 29 per cent were by foreign residents, 4.4 per cent by asylum seekers and the remainder by illegal residents.
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