Brits heading to Spain warned of thieves using ‘distraction techniques’
Millions of Brits head to Spain each year during the summer. The country has sun, sand and sea along with cheap all-inclusive deals and city breaks – what more could you want.
While most visits to Spain are peaceful and relaxing like any other country there is still crime. The UK government has issued a warning to holidaymakers about protecting their belongings while away.
After all, there’s nothing less relaxing than having your valuables, money or passport stolen. One jewellery expert has even advised leaving wedding rings at home for multiple reasons.
READ MORE: Brits staying with friends in Spain warned they need £70 letter to enter country
Now, on the gov.uk site advice on keeping your things safe is available. This incudes passports and expensive items.
The warning states: "Most visits to Spain are trouble-free, but be alert to street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques, and often work in teams.
"Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire. Do not carry all your valuables in one place."
It continued: "Keep a photocopy or scanned copy of your passport somewhere safe. Make sure your accommodation has adequate security.
"Lock all doors and windows at night, or when out. If concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner."
Good advice. You can keep your passport and cash safe using a money belt that straps to your stomach under your clothes.
Alternatively you can leave them in your hotel room. But, be aware that if the safe is not bolted down thieves will sometimes remove the whole thing to get away with your valuables – this is not Spain-specific.
You can also use various hacks to keep your things safe. A flight attendant recommended hiding things in crisp packets.
If you’re renting a car or bringing your own you should also be careful on the roads. Vehicle crime can also be an issue in Spain.
Gov.uk stated: "'Highway pirates’ target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. They may (forcefully) try to make you stop, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs.
"If you decide to stop to check the condition of a vehicle, stop in a public area with lights, such as a service station. Be wary of anyone offering help.”
It added: "When driving, be wary of approaches by people posing as police officers in plain clothes travelling in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters, police officers will usually be in uniform.
"All police officers, including those in plain clothes, carry official ID. Unmarked police vehicles have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window which reads Police (‘Policía’) or Civil Guard (‘Guardia Civil’), and may use blue flashing lights. Genuine police officers will only ask you to show them your documents and will not ask for your bag or wallet.
"Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your wallet, claiming they need to see it for identification. Genuine police officers will ask to see ID, but will not ask for wallets or purses."
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