Insurance news

Spain is worst for holiday thefts

11 August, 2007

Nearly one in every six Brits has been a victim of theft whilst abroad, with over a third of indicents happening in Spain and another 19 per cent in neighbouring France.

If having possessions stolen once wasn’t enough for bemused Brits to deal with, an unlucky 13 per cent of holidaymakers have been stung twice. However even though Spain is the overall hotspot for thefts, more people have been targeted twice whilst on holiday in France.

Older holidaymakers tend to fare the worst of all. A quarter of 45-54 year olds have fallen prey to opportunistic thieves twice in their lifetime whilst on holiday in Europe, compared to 15 per cent of over 55s who are likely to have travelled just as much.

Hotels, apartments and villas are the prime target for thieves who rely on foreigners leaving their doors unlocked or windows wide open, however the lack of obvious entry route doesn’t deter them too much as one in five have had their accommodation forcibly broken into.

Holidaymakers shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that anywhere is safe as one in ten thefts are from cars, instead the best practice is to split any valuables and money up and hide them in different places, all out of sight.

Craig Staniland, director of underwriting at swiftcover.com, said: “Most of us now holiday abroad frequently, so it is possible that we are becoming too relaxed about looking after our possessions properly. How many times, for example, have you gone for a swim, leaving your bag with all your valuables in full view on the beach or by the pool?”

A pouch or ‘bum-bag’ will help avoid any thefts whilst out and about, something 23 per cent of tourists have fallen foul of – especially those aged under 34 years old. Luckily muggings aren’t as commonplace as Brits might fear with only 6 per cent falling victim to this type of crime, however it always pays to keep your eye on your belongings.

Staniland continued: “Try and make sure your possessions aren’t on display in your car or hotel room, and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Try not to take valuables with you on holiday, but if you do, most hotels have a safe you can use. Sometimes, despite taking all possible precautions, you can just be unlucky, so it is important to make sure you have the right insurance to cover you for all eventualities.”

The most important things to keep watch of are your cash and wallet, followed by cameras or video cameras, items of clothing, handbags and jewellery.

Oddly enough, even though 27 per cent of people affected by crime whilst on holiday claimed for the stolen items on their insurance, a huge 25 per cent – even though they had valid travel insurance policies in place – did not make a claim.