We were shock that a pickpocket targeted us (successfully) in a town just outside Interlaken. It was at the local grocery store, when taking the elevator to the parking garage. We only noticed the theft hours later. Lost a wallet with cash and several credit card. Actually only knew because the bank alerted us to usual charges on our debit card! Thank you Bank of America!! There were three of them - one was a woman who did the "picking". They were chatting in perfect American English. Visited the local police to file a formal report of the theft. They said it was gangs ... they would be deported by Switzerland, if caught, but because they had EU passports, would jut slip back in and repeat their activity. The police said "helpful" strangers (the pickpocketers) would often work train stations ... helping with getting your luggage on the train, for example. So be alert. BTW, we are frequent travelers to Switzerland and this is the first time we had a problem ... it's a fairly new problem in throughout Switzerland.
More details, as requested:
Where did it happen? At the entrance to the Coop Supermarket in Unterseen, about a 5 minute walk from Interlaken West train station. There are several small elevators there and it's the area where Coop keeps their shopping carts.
Where was your wallet? Had two wallets ... one in each cargo pant's pocket with velcro closure. Split money and cards between the two, so they only got one debit card and some cash.
How I know it was a woman? There where three people in the "gang":
One man was outside the elevator door, keeping it open while talking about the door malfunctioning (the "distraction")
Another man was on my right watching the scene (the "lookout"), not close to me.
The woman was on my left but close to me - it was a small elevator.
What do you mean they spoke perfect English? I wrote "chatting in perfect American English" ... meaning they were fluent in American English. I think of how English is spoken in three categories: British English, American English, and English as a second language.
BTW, the thief's used the debit card in several high-end jewelry store in Interlake immediately after the theft. Only one merchant check for a matching ID. The merchant that didn't check for an ID lost about 1200 CHF worth of merchandise.