Even in the wake of a recent incident, life in the Saanenland continues to be marked more by trust than by tension. To better understand how this sense of security is sustained, I sat down with James Otibah, owner of Excel Security, to hear his perspective on what “feeling safe” means in our valley.

James, you’ve lived and worked in the region for years. What, in your eyes, makes Saanenland still feel like a uniquely safe place?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my perspective. Despite being just a few hours from major cities in Switzerland and France, Saanenland feels wonderfully removed from the pace and pressures of city life. Its close-knit community, deep-rooted traditions, and natural beauty foster a strong sense of peace and safety.

While occasional incidents, such as break-ins at chalets or hotels, have occurred, they remain rare. With Gstaad’s international profile and visibility on social media, it’s natural that the region attracts attention, both welcome and unwelcome.

When visitors arrive here, many are struck by the trust; stores leaving flowers outside at night, neighbours dropping off parcels. Do you think that the culture of openness is still alive?
Yes, the region’s culture of trust is still very much alive, and it’s one of the qualities that makes Saanenland so special. You still see small, thoughtful gestures that reflect a close and respectful community.

Of course, like anywhere, minor issues such as vandalism, petty crime or disturbances can happen. That’s why I remind clients to take simple precautions, such as locking cars or not leaving valuables in plain sight. With a little awareness, the openness and charm of Saanenland will continue to thrive.

In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in opportunistic crimes, like hotel robberies in other destinations. How do you view these risks in the context of Saanenland?
It’s true that even in our region, there have been a few incidents involving thefts from hotels or chalets. Not all of these are opportunistic; some show signs of planning.

Hotels, by their nature, must remain welcoming and accessible, which can make them more vulnerable. The best response is preparation: hotel owners should have a clear security plan, train staff to recognise risks, and encourage a culture of awareness. These steps greatly reduce risks while preserving the warm guest experience Saanenland is known for.
 

Are there particular challenges a luxury destination like ours faces compared to other alpine resorts?
Luxury resorts often share similar challenges because they attract affluent visitors. In rural areas, police response can sometimes be slower, and there’s occasionally a tendency to underestimate certain risks.

To give an example, in another luxury resort village that also hosts an international school, police uncovered large-scale drug-related activity. The individuals involved were not connected to the local community but had deliberately targeted the area. Unfortunately, this trend of outside groups focusing on high-end destinations is becoming more common.

The best way forward is not fear, but vigilance. Open dialogue between residents, authorities, and institutions is key to staying ahead of such issues while preserving the integrity, safety, and charm of Saanenland.

People often fear that increased security measures might spoil the relaxed feeling of being here. How can we strike a balance between security and preserving the unique atmosphere of trust?
The best security is discreet, blending seamlessly into daily life without being intrusive. Well-trained staff (both hotel and chalet staff), a subtle use of technology, and a culture of awareness are all effective without disturbing the relaxed atmosphere.

I strongly believe visible, black-clad, heavily armed private security on the Promenade would undermine the charm of Saanenland and could even pose unnecessary risks. The real strength of this region lies in trust, community, and understated security. By adopting proportionate and unobtrusive measures, we can maintain the safety of residents and visitors while preserving the area's unique character.

What small, practical steps can chalet owners or hoteliers take that improve safety without being intrusive?
Security often begins with simple habits, such as locking doors, securing windows, and remaining aware of your surroundings. The biggest step is shifting away from the belief that “it won’t happen here.” Everyone’s approach to security can differ, and that’s fine; you don’t need to copy what your neighbour does. If in doubt, we’re always happy to provide free, tailored advice to help owners find the right balance for their needs.

How important is community awareness in preventing crime? Can neighbourliness be as effective as high-tech systems?
Community awareness is one of the strongest tools in preventing crime. An aware neighbourhood can often pick up on unusual activity faster than any device.

That said, many chalets are empty for parts of the year, making constant vigilance difficult. This is why many owners rely on security systems. We strongly believe in community awareness, which is why we launched CHalert—a program designed to bring people together, share information, and enhance local awareness.

Have you seen examples where a quick response or local solidarity made a big difference?
Yes, one example from last winter highlights this well. A client arrived at their chalet and noticed three unfamiliar men rummaging through the letterboxes. They claimed to be Airbnb guests, but he knew of no such rentals in the building. He politely questioned them, and when their answers didn’t add up, he refused to let them in. Later, the same individuals were caught on CCTV in local shops and linked to suspected thefts. His alertness and calm response likely prevented a more serious situation.

Many people choose Saanenland because it feels safe to raise a family or relax on holiday. What would you say to reassure them that this is still true today?
Switzerland consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, and Saanenland reflects that reputation. The region offers not only natural beauty but also a strong sense of security and community. While no place is entirely without risk, incidents here are still rare. Residents and visitors alike can feel confident that Saanenland remains one of the most welcoming and secure places to live, raise a family, or enjoy a holiday.

By Jeanette Wichmann