Aussie’s horror Italy experience exposes sinister overseas trend: ‘Easy target’ #ItalyFinance

Australians travelling overseas have been warned about a “crime wave” washing over popular tourist destinations. More than two million Aussies have fallen victim to holiday robberies, with many being left facing financial “nightmare”.

Pickpocketing and stealing luggage were the most common ways Australian travellers were targeted, according to new Finder data released exclusively to Yahoo Finance. That’s what Elena Louise Wee experienced while travelling through Italy.

Two men tried to yank her suitcase from her grips at a train station in Naples. She managed to get away after a struggle, but the 36-year-old personal trainer told Yahoo Finance the experience was “traumatising” and urged Aussies to “have their wits about them” when they’re on holiday.

“When I was in London, I saw so many people have their phones snatched right out of their hands,” the Sydney resident said.

“I would definitely recommend having one of those [anti-theft bum bags]… I think that would have actually been quite good. But also just not having so much luggage, I think that made it look like I was an easy target.”

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What to do if you’re robbed while overseas

Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, told Yahoo Finance you need to act immediately after realising you’ve been robbed.

“If your wallet or phone is stolen, cancel your credit cards straight away,” he said.

“No one wants their holiday ruined by a robbery. To minimise the risk, do your research ahead of time and avoid known trouble spots.

“Protecting your valuables is crucial. Spread your money and cards across different pockets and bags, and travel with a backup credit card.”

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Travel insurance can be a lifesaver – but check the fine print

Kidman said travel insurance was essential when you’re going overseas as you can get money back on items that have been stolen.

But you need to make sure you read the fine print of your policy as some “exclude lost or stolen cards and associated fraud”.

The Finder travel expert sad it helped to be proactive rather than wait until you get back to Australia.

“Contact your insurer immediately to report that you’ve been robbed and find out what extra information they’ll require,” he explained to Yahoo Finance.

“To claim on your travel insurance, you’ll typically need to complete a claim form and provide supporting documentation such as a police report, receipts, and proof of ownership of the stolen items.”

Older Aussies more likely to be targeted

Finder research revealed Baby Boomers were the most likely generation to be robbed while overseas.

Twelve per cent of Boomer research respondents said they had been victims of mugging on a holiday, compared to 11 per cent of millennials, 9 per cent for Gen X and 8 per cent for Gen Z.

What were the most common crimes Aussies admitted falling victim to?

• Pick pocketing (34 per cent)

• Luggage stolen (24 per cent)

• Credit or debit card skimmed (15 per cent)

• Scammed (15 per cent)

• Other (13 per cent)

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