True Traveller reveals latest data on holiday thefts

Independent travel insurer True Traveller has unveiled its latest findings on thefts experienced by its UK policyholders while on holiday.

For the year ending April 2024, thefts accounted for 35% of total losses, an increase from 32% in the previous year.

The newly released data highlights the destinations with the highest number of theft claims.

Top 10 destinations for theft claims (year ending April 2024):
 

1. Mexico – 11.27%

2. Bali – 9.86%

3. Thailand – 8.45%

4. Colombia – 7.04%

5. Spain – 7.04%

6. Chile – 5.63%

7. Peru – 5.63%

8. India – 4.23%

9. Vietnam – 4.23%

10. Philippines – 2.82%

Last year, the top 10 were: 
 

1. Spain – 12.7%

2. Mexico – 10.3%

3. Colombia – 8.8%

4. Peru – 8.5%

5. Indonesia – 7%

6. Argentina – 5.7%

7. US – 5.3%

8. Brazil – 4.5%

9. Canada – 3.7%

10. Costa Rica – 3.5%

Tim Riley, Managing Director of True Traveller, commented: “Spain has been knocked off the top spot by Mexico, with Bali and Thailand now being the second and third most likely destinations for valuables or personal belongings to be stolen. However, transport hubs like bus stations and airports remain the most common places for backpacks and luggage to go missing, often through the use of distraction tactics, so we advise travellers to be particularly vigilant when in these places.”

Riley recently took a close look at the needs of the growing gap year travel insurance market.