Watch out for pick-pockets and thieves while on holiday

One fifth of holidaymakers have been a victim of theft while on holiday abroad, according to research from Direct Line travel insurance.

Four in ten (41 per cent) victims of holiday theft have had cash stolen, while a fifth (20 per cent) had their cameras stolen and 16 per cent were targeted for their credit/debit cards (16 per cent). British holidaymakers most commonly had their possessions stolen from their accommodation (24 per cent), while one in ten (11 per cent) fell victim to pick-pockets while out walking and one in ten (10 per cent) had items stolen from their car.

Despite this risk, many holidaymakers continue to travel without insurance, with 16 per cent of holiday theft victims admitting to not taking out any insurance cover. This figure has more than doubled over the last three years.

Jennifer Thomas, spokesperson for Direct Line Travel Insurance, comments: "Many people are looking for ways to save money on the cost of a holiday in the current economic climate, but cutting back on travel insurance could end up being an expensive mistake. Holidaymakers should protect themselves by ensuring that they have travel insurance in place to cover against any losses should the worst happen."

Tips for looking after your belongings:

Keep your valuables and documents, such as your passport, locked up inside the hotel safe

Ensure you have additional funds set aside should you need them in an emergency

If you need to make a claim for theft, keep items such as police reports and receipts in order to validate it

Ensure your travel insurance is up to date and provides adequate cover for you and those travelling with you