One item you should never put on your suitcase or risk losing your belongings
As British holidaymakers gear up for their summer breaks, security experts are sounding the alarm over a common travel practice that could potentially lead to substantial losses at home. Last year saw three-quarters of UK adults jetting off abroad, a trend expected to continue through this summer season.
Concurrently, there's been a spike in luggage loss incidents, with airlines misplacing 33.4 million bags in 2024. To combat this issue, many passengers opt to put their full home address on their luggage tags, aiming to facilitate the return of lost items.
Yet, security professionals caution that this good intention might inadvertently invite burglars by signalling that your house is vacant. "Putting a residential address on your luggage is basically saying 'this house is empty, help yourself'," cautions Carlos Dhunay, a home security specialist and director at Telcam Security Solutions, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Large parts of the UK experienced 226,489 reported burglaries in the year ending March 2024, with empty properties being particularly vulnerable to theft. The pertinence of this advice is underscored by the fact that TikTok searches for "how to put on luggage tag" have surged to 86,000 within a single week.
Carlos recommends omitting the home address from luggage tags entirely. "Instead, use a mobile number, an email address, or even your workplace," he suggests. "That way, airline staff can still get in touch if needed, but you're not advertising that your house is unoccupied."
He also suggests a proactive approach, such as taking photos of your luggage and noting its make, size, and any unique features. This can expedite the recovery process if your bag goes missing.
How to safeguard your home whilst you're on holiday:
Besides avoiding the luggage tag pitfall, Carlos advises taking additional measures to protect your property while you're away. He says: "Leaving a light on 24/7 can actually signal that you're not home. Instead, use smart lights or timers to simulate normal activity patterns. Motion-activated lights and other outdoor security lighting are also effective at deterring potential burglars.
"Before jetting off, ensure to pause milk, newspaper and other deliveries as a pile-up is one of the most obvious signs of an empty house. Speaking of deliveries, ask a neighbour to keep an eye out for any post. The Royal Mail also provides a 'keepsafe' service, which holds mail until you return home.
"Tools and ladders should be securely locked away, as burglars could utilise them to break into your house. Avoid discussing holiday dates or duration in public or around strangers. And, if you plan to use an "out of office" at work, don't mention that your house will be vacant."
He adds: "Ask a trusted mate or family member to check in while you're away. Opening and closing curtains, switching on lights and watering the garden can create the illusion that your home is occupied.
"Never advertise on social media that you are away - wait until you're home to post. There are more than 16.3 million uploads from airports, revealing potentially dangerous information about holiday location and duration, and these may be seen by potential burglars."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Spain warns Brits that not following new document rule could mean £5,900 fine
Spain has introduced a new health insurance rule that British tourists must follow this summer or face a big fine Brits jetting off to Spain this summer are being warned they risk a hefty fine of up to €6,900 (£5,900) if they fail to produce a specific document. The warning comes as part of a crackdown on travel regulations post-Brexit. Spain's Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Health introducing the new rule - and it has caught many tourists off guard. The rule requires British tourists to prove they have adequate health insurance. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which some visitors previously relied upon, will not be sufficient cover, and Brits must now have private travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, reports the Express. According to Travel and Tour World, UK tourists must present proof of health insurance before entering Spain, which should cover emergency medical care, hospitalisation, repatriation, and not have excessive deductibles or exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions. Spain's Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, stated: "The health of our visitors is a priority. We are committed to ensuring that all travelers, including British nationals, have the necessary coverage to protect themselves and the local healthcare system." Spanish authorities can deny entry at the border if tourists cannot provide proof of sufficient health insurance, and travellers already in Spain without proof may face fines of up to £5,900. The UK government has issued guidance on travel insurance for those visiting Spain, including a list of recommended insurance providers on its travel advice website. It is also advised that Brits carry proof of insurance with them during their trip. A key warning is that tourists should not delay purchasing travel insurance until they are in Spain, as they will likely need to present proof of insurance before their flight. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office cautions: "If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency." They further advise: "If you travel internationally you should buy appropriate travel insurance before you go, covering you for existing physical or mental health conditions (including those currently under investigation) and any activities you will be doing whilst you are away." The office also warns of the potential financial risks of travelling uninsured, stating: "If you do not have appropriate insurance before you travel, you could be liable for emergency expenses, including medical treatment, which may cost thousands of pounds."
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I've visited every country on Earth and my favourite was the very first one'
Nicolás Pasquali, 44, who describes himself as the "first Argentinean to visit every country in the world", has finally managed to tick off North Korea from his list after eight years of travel Nicolás Pasquali, a man who has travelled to every country on Earth, has revealed that his favourite place is closer to home than one might expect. Nicolás, who considers himself to be the "first Argentine to visit every country in the world", has recently smashed his impressive target after spending a remarkable eight years travelling. In February, he finally put a pin in the last country on his list after a year waiting, the hermit kingdom of North Korea in East Asia, which often only grants tourists access via tightly controlled tours. However, you'd imagine that picking a favourite from the near-200 on offer would prove to be a tricky task, but Nicolás was left in "no doubt". In an interview with Argentine newspaper Infobae, he stated: "As an Argentinean, there's no doubt Argentina is number one. We have identity, culture, gastronomy, sports and unique natural landscapes. Despite economic problems, we keep standing out globally." A sense of unity Nicolás pointed out that the South American nation has a "marked identity and a sense of unity" that he hasn't "seen elsewhere". He went on to draw comparisons with England, pointing to one aspect in particular. He went on to say: "You go to England, and Britons aren't proud of being British like we are proud of being Argentinean. We feel part of something bigger, which is impressive." Language also plays a significant role for the Buenos Aires native, who went on to explain that Spanish is the "second-most spoken language", making it "easier for us to move around". It's still a jewel Nicolás encapsulated his experience by revealing something he'd learned while visiting all those other countries, a pearl of wisdom that may offer insight into his choice of Argentina as his favourite country. Reflecting on his homeland, he remarked: "When you live in Argentina, you think that in other countries everything is perfect. But the truth is that it's not. There are countries at war, countries where people don't even have water, and countries where you can't say what you think. And that's when you realise that Argentina, with all its problems, is still a jewel." Second-largest country on the continent Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, is divided into four distinct regions: the Andes, the Pampas, the north, and Patagonia. The climate varies dramatically from subtropical in the north to sub- Antarctic conditions in the south, and the nation is home to an impressive array of wildlife. In the rugged terrain of Patagonia, intrepid adventurers might spot sea lions, penguins, and seals along the coast. Meanwhile, offshore in the Atlantic, you could encounter dolphins, orcas, and even sharks. Up in the northern parts, the wildlife includes crocodiles, caimans, flamingos, toucans, and jaguars. How many countries are there? The UN (United Nations) recognises a total of 195 countries, 193 of which are member states. The final two regions are the non-member observer states of Vatican City and Palestine, although the true number is actually disputed. This is due to a number of disputed zones and countries with either full or partial sovereignty, writes the BBC. In fact, the CIA (the US' Central Intelligence Agency) lists the full number as 237, for example.
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Best Dorset village pubs to visit according to readers
Whether you're looking for some cask ales or ciders, some gorgeous food or great atmosphere, these places tend to offer them all. Due to the abundance of choice, it might pose the question of what the ultimate village pub to visit in Dorset is. Therefore, we decided to ask Daily Echo readers to share the one village pub they would recommend people go to in the county. The one village pub you need to visit in Dorset according to readers More than 250 comments were left on the Facebook post, with a huge variety of answers being given. However, the one place that stood out with the most comments of support was The Square & Compass in Worth Matravers. One reader said: "Square & Compass. Best Dorset beer and amazing views". Another wrote: "Square n compass on a sunny Saturday afternoon atmosphere is awesome". A third simply posted: "Definitely the Square and Compass". The Square & Compass is known for its outdoor seating (Image: Christopher W/Tripadvisor) Overall, there were more than 30 separate comments in support of the pub, which was also named as the county's best in a list from The Telegraph back in January. It is known for its outdoor seating with views out to the sea, a gorgeous tap room, award-winning beers and ciders, and live music. While the pub is a bit out of the way to get to, it is also well worth a visit, according to many reviewers. It has managed to earn a 4.4/5 score on Tripadvisor from 589 reviews. The Scott Arms in Kingston also got a few mentions, as one said: "The Scott's arms is a great vintage pub with an amazing view over looking Bournemouth and Poole bay!!" The Scott Arms is known for its stunning beer garden (Image: jrchannon/Tripadvisor) The views from the beer garden are a big selling point for the place, which is also not too far from Corfe Castle. It offers a number of real ales (including locally-brewed) options, well-kept cider, a "robust" wine selection and a "well-stocked range of spirits" according to its website. Discussing its food options, it says: "Expect freshly made pies, rare breed pork such as Mangalista on bone pork chop and fish specials such as Cornish hake. "There's hearty soups and fondue nights in the winter and fresh meats, fish and seafood with plenty of locally-grown vegetables and salads in the summer." It has been mostly well-received with a 4.2/5 score from 1,533 Google Reviews and a 3.2/5 score from 1,273 Tripadvisor ratings. The Botany Bay over in Winterborne Zelston got some love from readers also, with one saying it does "amazing grub". The Botany Bay has been highly-praised for its food (Image: Buddkiss11/Tripadvisor) Another shared: "The Botany Bay at Winterborne Zeleston does amazing food, dog friendly and has a lovely outside area and play area for kids". A third posted: "The Botany Bay Inne - best roast I've had in ages the pork belly was stunning." Named after the famous bay in Australia to which British convicts were once deported, The Botany Bay describes itself as having "rustic appeal and a welcoming atmosphere". Its website adds: "A carefully curated drink menu includes locally brewed ales, ciders, and an extensive wine list, ensuring something for every palate." Visitors absolutely love this spot, with it having earned a 4.6/5 score on Tripadvisor from 145 reviews. Quite a few places around Dorset got one or two mentions, with some readers waxing lyrical about them. This included The Anchor Inn in Seatown, as one wrote: "The Anchor inn Seatown. Beautiful location, food is ace, and great service. Thoroughly recommend." Recommended reading: Another went to bat for The Brewers Arms in Winterborne St Martin, saying: "The Brewers Arms martinstown - Dorset Beef on Sundays and local ales - and a beautiful sunset garden!" Discussing The Royal Oak in Milborne St Andrew a reader said it had "great sunday carvery, great garden and wonderful team". Other places mentioned included The Old Thatch in Wimborne, The Thimble Inn in Piddlehinton and The Worlds End in Almer.
