Spain top theft hotspot for Brits abroad

More than one in 10 British holidaymakers (12 per cent) have experienced petty theft overseas and a further 27 per cent know someone who has fallen victim to this crime, according to new research from Direct Line Travel Insurance.

1Spain has the highest number of thefts overall, as 38 per cent of Britons who have experienced this crime abroad recently have done so in Spain, followed by France (14 per cent), Italy (seven per cent) and Greece (five per cent).

Money (41 per cent) is the most frequently stolen possession, followed by purses and wallets (34 per cent) and cameras (18 per cent). Jewellery (16 per cent) and clothes (12 per cent) are also among the top targets.

According to respondents, theft from empty hotel rooms is the most common method employed by thieves (30 per cent), although 13 per cent of victims have faced the ordeal of being mugged or pick pocketed on the street. A further five per cent have had their possessions stolen while enjoying themselves in a bar or restaurant.

And the financial cost of petty theft can be considerable, with more than a third of losses (34 per cent) in excess of £200, and one in 10 costing the victim more than £500.

But it also has an emotional impact with one in six (15 per cent) saying their holiday was ruined as a result of the theft. Almost a fifth of victims of petty theft questioned (18 per cent) found themselves unable to relax and enjoy themselves and close to a quarter (22 per cent) said they felt vulnerable afterwards.

However, British holidaymakers are taking steps to protect themselves against such crimes. 84 per cent take out travel insurance and more than half (51 per cent) secure their valuables by locking them away in the hotel safe. A further 22 per cent take travellers’ cheques away with them rather than cash.

Chris Price, Head of  Direct Line Travel Insurance, said:

“For many people the summer holiday is their largest annual purchase, but it can be ruined by the theft of comparatively small sums or items. 

“People can fall prey to petty theft in their everyday lives, but when it happens on holiday, in an unfamiliar environment and when people are looking to relax, the event can be all the more traumatic.

“We would advise all holidaymakers to protect themselves by taking simple, sensible precautions and by making sure they are insured against any loses in case the worst happens.”

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Tips to avoid petty theft abroad:

1. Take out comprehensive travel insurance
2. Use switch/credit card/travellers cheques instead of carrying cash around
3. Keep valuables and important documents in the room or hotel safe
4. Report theft to the local police and get a police statement to validate the claim
5. Don’t flaunt expensive jewellery or technology e.g. digital cameras
6. Keep belongings close by at all times
7. Never leave belongings on the beach when swimming
8. Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas

For further information please contact:

Notes to editors

Direct Line Insurance plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.