Holidaymakers 'are crime targets'

Popular holiday destinations have also been targeted by criminals, new research suggests.

Some of the UK's most popular holiday destinations are crime hotspots, new research has suggested.

Figures released by swiftcover.com showed that 14 per cent of Brits holidaying in Europe have been a victim of crime while away.

Over one third (37 per cent) of those who had something stolen while on holiday were in Spain and 19 per cent were vacationing in France.

In particular, the research highlighted the fact that many people have valuables stolen from their hotel rooms - with 21 per cent saying the holiday theft occurred in this way.

"Most of us now holiday abroad frequently, so it is possible that we are becoming too relaxed about looking after our possessions properly," commented Craig Staniland, director of underwriting at swiftcover.com.

"How many times, for example, have you gone for a swim, leaving your bag with all your valuables in full view on the beach or by the pool?"

Recent research from Halifax suggests that the typical UK holidaymaker now carries over £1,000 of valuables with them when they jet off on holiday.

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