Neuchâtel, Switzerland- In a shocking incident on Sunday July 9th, an American engineer named Robert Thorpe was robbed by a group of Algerian immigrants during his business trip to Switzerland, while on a guided tour in the city of Neuchâtel. The incident has left Mr. Thorpe distraught, mentally and emotionally drained. Local authorities have launched a thorough investigation to apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen belongings.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred late in the evening as Mr. Thorpe was on a visit to Neuchâtel, with a tour guide. The Algerian immigrants, described as a group of three men in their mid-20s, allegedly approached Mr. Thorpe and his tour guide near a dimly lit alleyway. They forcefully grabbed his briefcase and personal belongings before fleeing the scene.
The stolen items reportedly included Mr. Thorpe's laptop, important business documents, passport, and a significant amount of cash. The total estimated value of the stolen belongings is yet to be disclosed. Immediately after the incident, Mr. Thorpe contacted the local authorities to report the robbery.
Neuchâtel police have taken the case seriously and are currently conducting a comprehensive investigation. Law enforcement officials are analyzing surveillance footage from the area and are hopeful that it will provide crucial evidence to identify the suspects. They have also increased patrolling in the vicinity to prevent further criminal activities and to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
Speaking to local reporters, Mr. Thorpe expressed his distress over the incident. He described feeling mentally and emotionally drained after the traumatic experience. "I never expected something like this to happen during my business trip to Switzerland. I was just on a visit to Neuchâtel with a tour guide. This has left me shaken and devastated," he said.
Mr. Thorpe extended his gratitude to the local police for their prompt response and ongoing efforts to solve the case. He expressed hope that the culprits would be apprehended soon and justice would be served. As the investigation progresses, the Neuchâtel police are appealing to anyone with information related to the robbery to come forward and assist with the case. They can be reached through the dedicated hotline established for this purpose.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of visitors in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, particularly during evening hours. Local authorities have assured the public that they are taking steps to enhance security measures in the city. They urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.
While Mr. Thorpe continues to cope with the aftermath of the robbery, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of personal safety and awareness when traveling abroad.
More on this:
SRF article (in German)
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