New research revealed that 12 per cent of British holidaymakers have fallen victim to petty theft crimes while holidaying abroad, whilst almost a third know someone who has been a victim.
Direct Line Travel Insurance found that of those falling victim to petty theft, 38 per cent experienced it in Spain.
Other countries where visitors were robbed include France (14 per cent), Italy (seven per cent) and Greece (five per cent), the travel insurance provider found.
Money, purses and wallets and cameras were the items most at risk of theft while people were on holiday abroad.
Most thieves looted empty hotel rooms, but 13 per cent of victims were mugged or pick-pocketed on the streets of their holiday destinations.
Over a third of these thieves got away with possessions costing more than £200 to replace. One in ten of these thefts cost the holidaymaker in excess of £500.
In order to protect themselves against loss through crime, 84 per cent of British holidaymakers take out travel insurance. Over a half lock valuables away in a hotel safe, and one in five carry travellers' cheques rather than cash.
"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," said Direct Line Travel Insurance's head Chris Price.
"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."
Travel insurance could protect against petty theft loss on holiday
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Travel insurance could protect against petty theft loss on holiday
Tue, 13 Sep 2005
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