It seems as if it has been a summer of sun and fun for thieves, as they robbed holidaymakers from an estimated £200 million worth of goods.
Over half of British travellers who became victims of crime had their money stolen, with 22 per cent robbed of a handbag of rucksack. Digital cameras, sunglasses, jewellery and mobile phones were also popular items for theft, Lloyds TSB Insurance revealed.
The insurance provider’s managing director, Phil Loney, warns against a “false sense of security” when people are enjoying their holidays.
With people back at home after summer holidays, many could realise they could have done more to deter potential thieves from disrupting their holidays, Mr Loney says.
He says the reality could be “even more sobering” for those who went abroad without travel insurance.
It is “absolutely vital” that Britons going abroad for holidays “checks, checks and checks again” that they have adequate travel insurance, Mr Loney urges.
A third of holidaymakers had their possessions stolen from hotels. One in five were victims of pickpockets or muggers on the streets of their foreign destinations, with 11 per cent raided on a plane, bus or boat.
© Adfero Ltd