Criminals often see tourists as 'easy pickings';
when we're abroad, it's hard not to be
distracted by various sights, attractions and curiosities.
So do what you can to stay aware of the dangers of petty
crime while you're away, and follow our quick guide to
avoiding scams abroad
.
Travelling
When you're travelling, you'll probably have all
your luggage right there with you, which can make you
particularly vulnerable. Make things easier for yourself by
ensuring your bag is distinctive (perhaps with a ribbon or a
patch), and stay especially aware on busy trains –
they're a perfect environment for confusion and
diversions.
Meeting people
Making friends abroad is one of the great pleasures of
travelling, so it's a real shame to shy away from
this. However, a few things to keep in mind: just because
you meet someone from your own country doesn't make
them trust-worthy; don't let anyone talk you into
holding luggage or bags for them; don't mention too
many details about your travel plans.
Relaxing
Whether you're lying down in the park, kicking back
with a drink at a bar, or even just leaning on a wall
waiting for a bus, thieves and pickpockets will relish the
chance to target someone who's let down their
'defences'. So when you're unwinding in
public, make an effort to stay aware of your belongings.
Exchanging money
Exchanging money can obviously be a risky activity,
particularly if you're unfamiliar with the currency.
If possible, avoid doing so on the street. In some
countries, such as China, most exchange
does
happen on the street, so try and ask other tourists about
where they've done transactions without any problems.
Set pieces
Thieves can be very creative and very organised, and
sometimes stage quite elaborate diversions. So whenever you
encounter a commotion, scuffle, accident, or any kind of
'incident' in public, take extra care of your
belongings.
Unfortunately, you can never be 100% crime-proof, so make
sure you sort out overseas travel insurance before you leave…
