Crime abroad
Home and away without your wallet? Whether you're mugged, robbed, conned or even accused of an offence, here's how to get back in one piece.
Be prepared
According to Victim Support, one in four holidaymakers can expect to be touched by crime in some shape or form. Even so, there's no need to let these shocking odds cast a shadow over your time overseas. Just be prepared should the worst happen.
- Notify the local police; No matter how unsure you feel about doing so, it can only help the course of justice. It may even stop another holidaymaker suffering as you have. Just be sure to get a copy of the police report, or crime number, as this may be required for insurance purposes.
- Contact your travel insurers; If you took out a policy before you left, call your provider immediately. Whether your hotel room has been turned over, you've been shaken down, or the waiter set off with your credit card and then vanished, you may find that you're covered (not just for any money that's been nicked, but medical care and flights home if your tickets have also been taken).
- Contact the British Consulate; This is a representative of the UK government, and can be found in the majority of countries around the world.
Consul crammer
The consul exists to protect the interests of British citizens abroad and help anyone who gets into difficulty on foreign soil. Here's what they can do:
- Arrange legal representation where necessary, or sort you out with an interpreter;
- Help you to contact relatives and look out for your welfare until you can get home. The consular can assist in the transfer of money, and, if absolutely necessary, will cash a cheque for you to the tune of 100 quid (providing you have a valid bank card). If it's seriously desperate, they may pay for you to get home but only if you can prove that nobody else will cough up;
- Sort you out with an emergency passport if yours has been pilfered;
- Visit you in prison if you've been nicked, and liase with the authorities while your case is being sorted out.
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