I am fuming!

My handbag was stolen tonight at Mövenpick restaurant in Luzern (the one next to the Kantonalbank).

I was having dinner with friends and noticed my handbag was gone when we were leaving. I had it on top of my jacket right next to where I was sitting. Since I was next to the big glass window, the only way to take it was if you were sitting at the table behind. There was a couple there who left before we did.

The staff didn't notice anything and had no security cameras set up. There are some outside the restaurant but apparently only the police have access to that footage.

Luckily I had forgotten my wallet at home, so no panic about credit cards or IDs. Unfortunately, my Canon G11 camera was in the bag along with my house and office keys. So the bastards made out with a wonderful camera but nothing else.

I expect the camera will be sold, so if you see a Canon G11 with some scuff marks/cosmetic damage around the lens, it's stolen. Where can I go for lost and found in Luzern? I'm hoping the keys will turn up.

I went straight to the police station but was told that I had to wait until the morning to file the report as nothing "important" was taken. I don't know, but last time I checked, house keys seem pretty important to me...

I sent my own report to the insurance agent and will notify the landlord on Monday.

I do have household insurance, so I'm hoping the everything will be covered. I don't think they'll have to change all the locks in the building as there is nothing in the bag that could identify where I live.

I'm absolutely livid... argh!

Do they have your address? If they do, and have your house keys, better take some action right now!

For the future: If you must put your handbag on the floor, position your chair in such a way that one of its leg is inside the strap.

No, there was nothing there with my address. I'm hoping that the keys will turn up at lost and found. I've lost all hope for the camera.

Going to make the police report as soon as one of my German-speaking friends wakes up (meine Duetsch ist nicht so gut).

Go back to the restaurant and check around in the bushes and bins in the surrounding area. My guess is that the thieves dumped it when they found nothing of value.

I know a few people (yes, a few, unfortunately!) who have had their handbags pinched while on nights out so I am always on my guard when I am out and about in the evenings.

Although these days, any potential thief is going to find a handbag full of toy cars, spare Spiderman underpants and a half eaten packet of Darvida crackers...

The handbag it self I don't really care about. I know I'll never see the camera again. But keys, it would be fantastic if they turn up. Plus, I really liked my keychain...

A primed mouse trap is also a good idea

Yes, go back and search the area. My hunch is it was dumped. Years ago I had my bag stolen and the police found it dumped nearby. You are really lucky you forgot your wallet.

I am astounded at the number of people who leave their handbags in grocery carts and wander off. This is especially so at Ikea. The number of carts with handbags left unattended is shocking. Thieves are everywhere.

My bag was stolen in Lausanne and was found, minus all the cash, in a bin nearby.
My cards and keys, and even a pair of gold earrings, were still inside.
I hope you find yours.

That, and ladies riding their bikes through a crowded pedestrian area with their handbag casually plopped in the carrier basket on the back of the bike. Anyone could just help themselves as she rides by. She'd probably get as far as the shops without realising it has been pinched!

I went back. Nothing. I asked in the restaurant and no one had found/returned anything. I searched in every garden and bin nearby, even in the back alleys (I must have looked like some vagrant). Didn't see anything.

There's a big industrial bin out the back for a construction site, and it's propped open. I have the feeling it was dumped there. There's a fence around it and it's a bit too high for me to jump and have a look, plus, I don't want to get in trouble for trespassing or so. Found two police offers doing rounds and explained the situation, asked them if they could have a look. All they did was look through the mesh fence, no heroic jump-over-the-fence-I'm-a-cool-cop action... They simply told me to file a report.

Went to the station with my friend and was told to wait or go back later as all officers were busy with a fire (ALL??!). Went back later and filed the report. Was told to notify my insurance agent and visit the lost and found in a week or so.

I don't think much else will happen. I just wish I had kept my keys in my jacket last night...

Don't give up hope yet.
My bag was found several days later and handed in by a very kind and honest person.

It may yet turn up ... and, look on the bright side - ladies very rarely have their handbag stolen twice

Makes one look at the human race a bit differently, doesn't it? Sorry it had to happen to you.

Very true... I think I'll start sitting on it from now on

Indeed. I don't think I've ever been so angry in my life!
Bastards. I like to think karma will bite them in the ass in due course.

A similar incident happened in Lausanne, earlier in the year. This thread relates. There may be additional information contained therein, that you may have to consider. Sorry - most of the reading offers cold comfort - but may be helpful to you (sadly after the fact) and to anyone else reading.