Exhibitionist in Lucerne city centre: police seek unknown perpetrator
A 23-year-old encountered a naked man masturbating at night in Lucerne. The perpetrator has fled, and police have issued behavioural advice.
Naked man in Lucerne: 23-year-old calls police after shocking encounter
A 23-year-old woman from Lucerne encountered a naked man masturbating in the city centre during the night into Sunday. This is reported by 20 Minuten. The young woman, who was walking alone to her car after an event at around half past two in the morning, only noticed the man on second glance.
"In that moment I went ice cold," says J. "The man looked at me, carried on and even groaned while doing it." She describes the incident as a "moment of shock" and speaks of an "existential, claustrophobic fear". "I thought my life was over" – physically, the man had been superior to her, and in the event of an attack she would have had hardly any chance.
She instinctively ran to her vehicle and simultaneously called the emergency services. The police arrived immediately and explained the possible next steps to her. However, the officers were unable to apprehend the perpetrator on site.
Perpetrator still unknown
Yanik Probst, media spokesperson for Lucerne police, confirms the incident when asked by 20 Minuten: a corresponding report was received during the night into Sunday. "The perpetrator is currently still unknown," says Probst.
He advises those affected in similar situations to first draw the attention of other people nearby to the matter and alert the police. Anyone who is out alone should first get to safety in a busy place and then take the same route back.
Appeal from the victim
Two days after the incident, J. is convinced: "Something like this must not be normalised." She appeals to other young women not to walk home alone in the evening – even if the route is short. "I unfortunately had to learn that the hard way."
Reporting tool "Lucerne is watching"
In January 2024, the city of Lucerne adopted the online reporting tool "Lucerne is watching," originally developed in Zurich. Through it, sexist and queerphobic harassment and attacks can be reported anonymously – both by those affected and by witnesses. The city emphasises that reports help to identify problem areas, which is relevant for the work of the police and the city's social work service (SIP).
The tool also directs users to counselling services and legal information. A report in the tool does not constitute a formal complaint with the police. The cities of Zurich and Bern are already using the tool.
Source: 20 Minuten