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CRIME

Violent fare-dodger jailed by Zurich court

An Austrian man who tried to evade police after being caught fare-dodging in Zurich last year was jailed this week for pulling a gun on his pursuers and firing several shots.

Published: 21 August 2014 22:47 CEST
Violent fare-dodger jailed by Zurich court
The Austrian was caught without a ticket on a Zurich bus. Photo: Tim Adams

The 49-year-old Austrian, a Swiss resident, was caught travelling on a bus without a ticket in February 2013.

Confronted by fare inspectors, the man refused to cooperate or identify himself and absconded when inspectors called police to the scene.

Police officers then gave chase, before the Austrian pulled out a pistol and fired five shots.  

Fortunately, no one was injured.

The man eventually barricaded himself inside the home of a retired couple.

After threatening the pensioners with his weapon, he stole the woman's bicycle and continued his escape on two wheels.

Police tracked down the man some hours later and arrested him.

In court in Zurich this week the 49-year-old claimed he had the weapon with him because he was planning to sell it to another man.  

He was under the influence of drugs and alcohol, he added, and acted out of fear and panic, with no intention to hurt anyone.

The court found him guilty of multiple attempted homicide, multiple counts of endangering life and liberty, as well as weapon-related offenses.  

He was sentenced to 12 years in prison and outpatient therapy for addiction issues.

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ZURICH

Zurich homeowners to pay significantly higher property taxes

Properties are more expensive in Zurich than almost anywhere else in Switzerland, but a planned new charge will place further financial burdens on the canton’s homeowners.

Published: 18 September 2024 10:50 CEST
Zurich homeowners to pay significantly higher property taxes

Because Zurich is re-evaluating all properties, homeowners will have to brace themselves for significantly higher tax bills from 2027, cantonal authorities announced onTuesday. 

This step was triggered by two court rulings, according to which many properties in the canton were undervalued. The last estimate took place in 2009, but real estate prices have soared by an estimated 50 percent since then.

Therefore, property tax values are to increase by an average of 48 percent, while  imputed rental values for single-family homes will rise by an average of 11 percent and for apartments by 10 percent.

With this measure, the canton and municipalities can expect additional income of 85 million each.

What is the imputed rental value?

It is a tax term used to describe the theoretical rental value that you would have to pay if you were renting your own property.

In Switzerland, this value is used to calculate taxes, even if you live in your own apartment or house and do not pay rent.

For owner-occupied apartments in the canton of Zurich, the imputed rental value is 4.25 percent of the tax value. For single-family homes, it is 3.5 percent.

Authorities get ready for more ‘hardship’ cases

As a result of this tax hike, a larger number of hardship cases — that is, people who won’t be able to afford higher property taxes — the cantonal government is calling for the introduction of a ‘hardship regulation.’

Under this measure, a tax charge on the imputed rental value should be anchored in the law if it leads to an excessive tax burden in relation to the household income and assets.

The current cantonal hardship regulation serves as a transitional solution, which is in effect until legal basis is enacted at a federal level.

READ ALSO: How fast are property prices rising in Zurich in 2024? 

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