Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
Or call 0345 90 80 161
04 August 2014 09:13
One in 10 Brits has had items stolen from their hand luggage at airports
Pickpockets are targeting holidaymakers and their hand luggage at airports, research reveals.
As many as 11% of travelling Britons have had items stolen while waiting to catch a flight, according to storage company Versapak, with mobile phones, money and passports among the most likely items taken.
Jewellery and tablet computers are other personal belongings that thieves tend to target at airports.
Some 64% of the 2,836 adults questioned, meanwhile, know a friend or family member who has fallen prey to pickpockets.
It is therefore extremely important to protect yourself with adequate travel insurance when jetting off abroad. This can cover you against theft, whether in the airport or at your destination, so it is something you shouldn't leave home without.
Distraction is the main technique used by pickpockets at airports, with 42% of the victims losing out in this way. A further 36% fell asleep at the boarding gate or departure lounges, while 12% were going to the toilet or buying goods in airport shops when the thieves struck.
But despite the high number of thefts, just 47% decided to report the incident to employees at the airport. Only 18% of these successfully managed to retrieve the stolen item or find out what happened to it.
Turkey topped the charts for the most airports thefts - 19% - followed by Egypt (17%), France (12%), America (9%), and Greece (6%). In fact, 88% of the airport thefts involving Brits happened outside of the UK.
The most likely items to be taken from hand luggage while at an airport were mobile phones (19%), money (16%), passports (11%), jewellery (6%) and tablets (4%). Holidaymakers should therefore make sure they keep an eye on their possessions at all times, especially when walking around a busy airport.
16 April 2019
Keen to see first-hand who gets crowned champions of Europe? Europe's biggest football match takes place in Madrid: here's your guide to everything you need to know.
[more...]
18 April 2019
Going away with your children? Beat the stress of travelling with your family with these great travel tips. Here's what you need to know if you're travelling with kids this Easter.
Heading to Madrid? Here's our guide to six must-see places you should visit in the Spanish capital, from food markets to fine art and plenty in between.
10 April 2019
Experience the magic of Madrid's Fiesta de San Isidro 2019! Discover where to stay, what to eat and what to see as you explore one of Spain's greatest festivals.
Experience Seville's intoxicating Feria de Abril and discover Andalucía's most famous festival! Here's your ultimate guide to La Feria.
01 April 2019
Songkran is Thailand's famous New Year's festival - and the world's biggest water fight. Here's everything you need to know before you plan your trip.
Travelling to Thailand? Learn the important local traditions and cultures to ensure you act respectfully in 'The land of a thousand smiles.'
Travelling overseas with young children? Make going through the airport easy and stress-free by following these top tips for surviving the airport with kids when flying.
25 March 2019
Discover the best places to learn to scuba dive! Check out our list of top dive locations around the world that are perfect for scuba diving beginners.
Looking for some late-season skiing? Here are some of the best places for spring skiing in Europe where you can enjoy reliable snow cover.
19 March 2019
Looking for adventure? Create your perfect Scandinavian weekend with these alternative city break ideas.
Lower your blood pressure with these fresh, healthy foods you can add to your diet.