During the winter, the Greek islands are some of the safest places in the world. However, during the summer, some undesirables come to the islands from other countries to take advantage of careless tourists. Even so, the crime rate is still extremely low.

Our advice is to follow general guidelines on how to take care of valuables when on the beach and when walking around busy tourist resorts.

Take as few valuables as possible to the beach and keep an eye on them when in the sea. Keep bags zipped up and always on your person when walking around. Be aware of people around you at all times. Do not flaunt valuable jewellery, accessories or mobiles. Do not be distracted if someone comes up to you asking questions. If your accommodation has a safe, use it, although the cases of stolen goods from rooms are almost non-existent.

If you have or hire a car, when you leave it, make sure that there are no valuables left on show. Leave the glove box open to prove there is nothing of value in it. Last season, there were a few cases of parked cars being broken into on Thassos, Kos and Rhodes when valuables were left conspicuous.

If you take common-sense measures, you should never have any trouble.

(Also see ‘Luggage Travel Lock’ in our ‘Travel Tech’ section)