Backpackers targeted by criminals

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British backpackers have been urged to take care on their travels after a survey revealed that almost one in 10 has been a victim of theft while abroad.

The figures show that a further 3% of backpackers from the UK have been mugged - and that men are more likely to be attacked or robbed than women.

The poll of 1,216 people aged between 16 and 34 found that most victims of theft abroad were backpackers from the Greater London area (14%), while those from Wales and western England were the least likely to suffer crime (5%).

The research also revealed that 38% of those polled said they did not always have travel insurance, while 20% admitted to rarely or never having it.

Perry Wilson, founder of InsureandGo, which carried out the research, said: "Travelling should be about having fun, but young people have to remember that they are not indestructible.”

He added that backpackers can easily end up as victims of crime when they are abroad, and advised them not to put themselves in dangerous situations if they can be avoided.

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