Portugal’s Algarve – Increase in Crime & Sexual Assaults

The Foreign and Common wealth Office (FCO) have reported an increase in crime in the Algarve this summer, including a number of sexual assaults against British women, particularly in Albufeira but in other towns as well.  Other travel advice and information from the FCO includes:

Spiking of drinks and the use of date rape drugs such as ‘GHB’ and liquid ecstasy are not a common occurrence but they can and do occur in Portugal and elsewhere throughout the world.   It is important to be vigilant in clubs, bars and restaurants.  Purchase your own drinks, make sure they are poured in your sight, and do not let them out of your sight.  Drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than we are accustomed to in the UK so it is important to know your limit and avoid binge drinking.  Young women out drinking should stick together, keep an eye out for each other, and avoid going off with strangers! 

Although the crime rate is generally fairly low in Portugal as a whole, typical tourist-targeting crime goes on including handbag snatching, pick pocketing, etc.   Avoid leaving bags on chairs while eating in restaurants, hanging them on the backs of chairs or placing them under the table.  Gangs of thieves often use distraction techniques to gain access to bags in this way. 

Passport theft is also an increasing problem in Portugal.  It is expensive to replace a passport, not to mention the inconvenience and time it takes out of your holiday to sort it out.  If your identity is stolen and used for fraudulent purposes the problem could become a real headache in the future.  Any theft must be reported to the police and a report obtained to be used to claim on travel insurance and to obtain a replacement travel document from the consulate.

Rental cars and foreign-registered cars are often targeted by thieves, so pay particular attention and avoid leaving any valuables unattended in vehicles – even in a locked trunk.

For more useful advice and information of this type, visit out Travel Guide for Portugal and click on the link for the Foreign Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign for important up-to-date travel advice.  Chances are that your holiday will be problem-free, but why take a risk?  Don’t forget to apply for, or take along your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but remember that it is not a substitute for travel insurance.