The man is 52 years old, lives in Aargau and has something in common with many people: he does not like radar. The difference is that he did something about it. Between 2023 and 2024 he strolled through the city of Zurich with a can of spray glue and methodically emptied it on the targets of more than forty radars, leaving them unused. In parallel, he smashed parking meter screens, blocked entrances and exits of parking lots by placing barriers, and caused damage to mailboxes and private vehicles. 54 infractions in total. Material damage exceeds several hundred thousand francs.
The court sentenced him to two years in prison. But in Switzerland, things have their way: the sentence was suspended in exchange for therapeutic follow-up. Plus a fine of 2,000 francs. Someone who caused hundreds of thousands of francs in public and private damages pays 2,000 francs and goes to therapy. Comments on Swiss forums are being predictable.
The case has something that makes you think. The man did not steal, he did not threaten anyone, he had no apparent economic motivation. It only neutralized radars. In Zurich, where aircraft are on every corner and fines arrive with Swiss punctuality, it does not seem that he lacked motivation. The problem is that the method wasn't exactly legal. And if you get caught 54 times, not too effective either.