How to Avoid Holiday Crime

We all dream about the perfect holiday - the great weather, delicious food, and fantastic sights are just some of the things we look forward to. The dream can quickly turn into a nightmare, however, if you become a victim of crime. These are some tips to help you and your possessions stay safe while you're on holiday.

Before you leave

  • Remember security at home

    In all the excitement of going on holiday the last thing you want to do is forget to properly secure your home. Make sure all windows are closed, doors locked, and alarms set before leaving.

  • Take out travel insurance

    However careful you are, you can't guarantee that you won't be a victim of crime while on holiday. Make sure you have travel insurance to cover medical costs if you are injured in a crime and to cover the loss or theft of your passport and personal possessions. If you are taking valuable items with you on holiday consider covering them on your home contents insurance or a separate gadget insurance policy.

At the hotel

  • Use your hotel safe

    If your hotel room has a safe consider leaving your valuables here.

  • Close the windows

    It can be tempting to leave your windows open, especially if the air conditioning isn't up to scratch, but an open window makes it easier for thieves to break in, so keep them closed.

Out and about

  • Carry a light wallet

    Try not to carry too much cash on you when you're out and about - while a stolen credit card can be cancelled, any cash you lose is unlikely to come back your way.

  • Keep valuables out of sight or leave them at home

    If you wave about your expensive smart phone or dress yourself in flashy jewellery it'll only make you a walking target. Don't take unnecessary valuables with you on holiday, if you don't need it, leave it at home.

  • Stay on the beaten track

    While it's fun to explore on holiday you should consider how safe it is to travel down certain paths. If you are going to explore make sure you do so during daylight and in a large group. A travel guide or map will set you apart as a tourist, so keep these hidden when you're not using them.

  • Be wary of strangers

    Making friends on holiday is all part of the fun, but don't assume everyone you meet is trustworthy. If someone is asking lots of questions about where you're staying and your plans you might want to be careful.

  • Carry an alarm

    There's no harm in carrying a small lightweight alarm, which can act both as a deterrent and a cry for help.

One final tip

  • Report crime immediately

    If you are affected by crime in any way report it to the police immediately and obtain a report. If you intend to make a travel insurance claim for lost or stolen property you will need to supply this report to your travel insurance provider on your return.

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