The Foreign Office has advised Britons to stay vigilant when enjoying holidays abroad, after in excess of 50 sexual assaults were reported across Turkey in 2022.
The FCDO continuously updates country profiles with warnings and travel advice for UK holidaymakers jet setting to foreign soils, and after dozens of cases were raised with the British Consulate last year, the FCDO has stepped in accordingly.
The office said that street robbery, pick-pocketing and sexual offences has surged across the holiday hotspot, which bridges Europe and Asia.
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The Mirror reports that in 2022 alone, there were 51 reports of sexual assault - including rape - in the popular Brit-tourist spot. The majority took place during the peak summer season in coastal tourist and resort areas.
The government office also warned parents to be on-guard after receiving reports of minors being attacked while alone in toilet facilities. More than three million Brits visited Turkey last year.
The FCDO urged people to be mindful that someone they meet could be their attacker. Many of the assaults took place at night after meeting or interacting with someone during the day, it added.
In a statement, the FCDO said: “You should be extra vigilant in these situations. Never accept lifts from strangers. Find a registered yellow taxi and make a note of the registration number before getting in. If you have any concerns, seek advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.”
The FCDO added that robbery is also a serious cause for concern in the country. While saying general levels of crime are low, it warned there has been a surge in street robberies and pick-pocketing in major tourist locations like Istanbul.
It said: "You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. Alcohol and drugs can make you less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment."
The office also warned that thieves could steal passports from holiday villas so warned Brits to keep them locked up and safe. They state: "Passports have been stolen from rented villas, even when they have been kept in the villa safe.
"This is a particular problem in Didim, Kas, Kalkan and the Fethiye/Hisaronu/Ovacik areas."
It also advised Brits to be aware of their alcohol intake, adding that booze served abroad is often stronger than the typical measures used in UK pubs, clubs and bars. Previously, the FCDO warned holidaymakers to take care of their drinks after a spate of spikings.
"Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times so they are not spiked. Be wary of strangers approaching you offering food and drink (which may be drugged), to change money or to take you to a restaurant or nightclub," they said.
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