Holiday theft worst in Spain

Over a third of Britons who have experienced petty theft abroad were robbed in Spain, according to new research.

Direct Line Travel Insurance reveals that 12 per cent of British holidaymakers have been victims of petty theft abroad, and a further 27 per cent know of someone who has experienced this crime.

Of those who have been robbed on holiday, 38 per cent were in Spain at the time, 14 per cent in France, seven per cent in Italy and only five per cent in Greece.

The most frequently stolen possessions were money (41 per cent of respondents), followed by purses and wallets (34 per cent) and cameras (18 per cent).

The findings highlight the importance of taking out travel insurance, as 34 per cent of losses cost the holidaymaker over £200 and one in ten cost more than £500.

However, holidaymakers are taking the necessary precautions, with 84 per cent taking out travel insurance and 51 per cent securing their valuables by locking them away in the hotel safe, according to the survey.

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.

"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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