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Edinburgh Live
03-07-2025
- Edinburgh Live
Brits warned of airport crimewave where 'most don't realise they're victims'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Brits are being alerted to a cunning airport scam that often goes unnoticed until it's too late, as thieves target travellers' prized possessions. As the summer travel season heats up, holidaymakers are being cautioned about an increasing trend of airport crime where valuable items such as jewellery, designer goods, and luxury watches are at risk from crafty criminals. Security specialists are reporting a spike in distraction thefts and "switch" scams – where your genuine item is stealthily exchanged for a counterfeit – particularly prevalent in areas like baggage reclaim, duty-free shops, and taxi queues outside airports. It's not just high-end valuables like Rolex watches or diamond rings that are under threat; even mid-range timepieces are attracting the attention of organised crime rings who prey on tourists when they're most vulnerable: jet-lagged, distracted, or simply unaware. Danny Toffel, Watches2U's managing director, has shared some straightforward tips to safeguard your belongings while on the move. "We're seeing more reports from customers who've had close calls or actual thefts at airports abroad. It often starts with a small distraction - someone asking for directions, offering to help with bags or creating a minor commotion," Danny explained. He warns that while you're diverted, thieves or their partners seize the chance to snatch an unattended bag or switch out an item, reports the Mirror. Baggage reclaim zones are hotspots for watch and jewellery thefts at airports, particularly if you leave your trolley or luggage unwatched for even a brief moment. Duty-free counters are notorious hotspots, especially when shoppers are preoccupied with trying on jewellery or peering at items behind glass. At taxi ranks and pick-up areas, thieves often operate in duos, seizing the chance to swipe a visible item or snatch an unsecured bag while someone is busy with their luggage. Danny cautions that flaunting luxury items or carelessly storing watches in easily reachable bag compartments marks you out as an easy mark. "Scammers tend to look for signs that someone is carrying something expensive - and whether they're too distracted to notice something being taken or switched," he explained. The security guru advises keeping your timepiece strapped to your wrist or tucked away in secure carry-on luggage rather than in coat pockets or checked baggage. Holidaymakers should also be sceptical of overly eager strangers at luggage carousels or cab lines who offer to help with bags or directions. "Wearing a cheaper travel watch is a smart move if you're flying into busy tourist hubs. Keep your expensive pieces for secure evenings or hotel safes - not airport terminals," Danny recommended. He further emphasised that most thefts happen because of opportunity, noting: "Being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables close - and discreet - can make all the difference."
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned of airport scam where most people don't realise they've been robbed
People heading abroad this summer are being warned to beware of a growing airport scam targeting holidaymakers' precious items, with thieves going for those who've just arrived on holiday Brits warned of airport scam where most people don't realise they've been robbed People heading abroad this summer are being warned to beware of a growing airport scam targeting holidaymakers ' precious items. Jeweller, designer goods and high-end watches are all in the sights of sticky-fingered thieves who operate at airports. Security experts say distraction thefts and 'switch' scams - where a thief subtly swaps your real item with a fake - are rising in hotspots like baggage claim areas, duty-free counters and outside taxi ranks. And it's not just obvious valuables like Rolexes or diamond jewellery at risk. Mid-range watches are also being eyed up by organised thieves who strike when tourists are tired, distracted or unaware. Danny Toffel, managing director at Watches2U, says there are a few simple ways to protect your valuables when travelling. 'We're seeing more reports from customers who've had close calls or actual thefts at airports abroad. It often starts with a small distraction - someone asking for directions, offering to help with bags or creating a minor commotion," Danny said. 'While you're looking the other way, they or an accomplice take the opportunity to grab a loose bag or swap an item.' The most common locations for watch and jewellery thefts in airports include baggage reclaim areas, especially if you step away from your trolley or bags even momentarily. Duty-free counters are another hotspot, particularly when people are distracted trying on jewellery or inspecting items behind glass. Outside taxi ranks and pick-up zones, thieves often work in pairs, using the moment someone is loading luggage to make a move on a visible item or unsecured bag. Danny warns that visibly wearing high-end items, or placing watches in easily accessible bag pockets, makes you a prime target. 'Scammers tend to look for signs that someone is carrying something expensive - and whether they're too distracted to notice something being taken or switched,' he said. The security expert recommends keeping your watch on your wrist or in secure hand luggage rather than in jacket pockets or checked bags. Tourists should also be wary of helpful strangers at baggage belts or taxi queues who seem unusually interested in assisting with bags or directions. 'Wearing a cheaper travel watch is a smart move if you're flying into busy tourist hubs. Keep your expensive pieces for secure evenings or hotel safes - not airport terminals," Danny said. He also stressed that most thefts are opportunistic, adding: 'Being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables close - and discreet - can make all the difference.'
The Sun
09-06-2025
- The Sun
Holiday hotspot loved by Brits introduces new ban with £630 fines for rule-breakers
BRIT holidaymakers could face eyewatering fines for seemingly innocent purchases under new rules in a popular tourist spot. New fines brought in at a sunny destination have prompted warnings to tourists to be careful when buying souvenirs. 3 3 3 With the summer holidays fast approaching, many families will be dreaming of setting off for a well earned break in the sun. But one ever-popular location has brought in new rules against unauthorised street vendors. Unsuspecting tourists are warned not to buy things from street vendors in Palma, the capital of the Spanish island Majorca. It may be tempting to pick up a quick snack or refreshment from conveniently placed street vendors. But tourists who break the new rules risk being hit with a mammoth fine. Under the regulations, people who are caught buying from rogue street salespeople could face penalties of up to €750 (£630). The ban applies to the purchase of anything from food and drinks to souvenirs and watches. Danny Toffel, CEO and founder of online retailer Watches2U, told Euro Weekly News: "When travelling abroad, it's always worth reading up on local rules. "These measures have been implemented to safeguard Palma's culture and economy and, in some instances, for public safety. "Purchasing from unauthorised street vendors might appear a harmless way to snag a bargain, but they can undermine local, legitimate businesses." Tourists in the popular holiday spot are instead advised to buy from reputable, legitimate businesses instead of street vendors. Toffel added: "Illegal street vendors may also peddle counterfeit goods, which again may not seem like a significant issue to many, but violate intellectual property rules and divert money away from legitimate businesses." These new laws are understood to be related to concerns from residents about overtourism. Holidaymakers in Majorca should also be aware of new regulations around electric scooters. Riders now have to prove they have civil liability insurance and have to wear a helmet. Fresh penalties on graffiti have also been unveiled, with rule-breakers to get handed a €3,000 fine. There are also penalties against nudism - whether it be total or partial - of up to €750. Tourists are ultimately advised to make sure they read up on the local rules and customs of wherever they travel to. A document explaining the new regulations says the rules are in place to "prevent inappropriate everyday actions" and "address incivility in general."
The Irish Sun
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Holiday hotspot loved by Brits introduces new ban with £630 fines for rule-breakers
BRIT holidaymakers could face eyewatering fines for seemingly innocent purchases under new rules in a popular tourist spot. New fines brought in at a 3 Tourists look at handbags on July 1, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain Credit: Getty 3 Unsuspecting tourists are warned not to buy things from street vendors in Palma Credit: Getty 3 The ban applies to the purchase of anything from food and drinks to souvenirs and watches Credit: Getty With the summer holidays fast approaching, many families will be dreaming of setting off for a well earned break in the sun. But one ever-popular location has brought in new rules against unauthorised street vendors. Unsuspecting tourists are warned not to buy things from street vendors in Palma, the capital of the Spanish island Majorca. It may be tempting to pick up a quick snack or refreshment from conveniently placed street vendors. read more in travel But tourists who break the new rules risk being hit with a mammoth fine. Under the regulations, people who are caught buying from rogue street salespeople could face penalties of up to €750 (£630). The ban applies to the purchase of anything from food and drinks to souvenirs and watches. Danny Toffel, CEO and founder of online retailer Watches2U, told Euro Weekly News: "When travelling abroad, it's always worth reading up on local rules. Most read in News Travel "These measures have been implemented to safeguard Palma's culture and economy and, in some instances, for public safety. "Purchasing from unauthorised street vendors might appear a harmless way to snag a bargain, but they can undermine local, legitimate businesses." Tourists in the popular holiday spot are instead advised to buy from reputable, legitimate businesses instead of street vendors. Toffel added: "Illegal street vendors may also peddle counterfeit goods, which again may not seem like a significant issue to many, but violate intellectual property rules and divert money away from legitimate businesses." These new laws are understood to be related to concerns from residents about overtourism. Holidaymakers in Majorca should also be aware of new regulations around electric scooters. Riders now have to prove they have civil liability insurance and have to wear a helmet. Fresh penalties on graffiti have also been unveiled, with rule-breakers to get handed a €3,000 fine. There are also penalties against nudism - whether it be total or partial - of up to €750. Tourists are ultimately advised to make sure they read up on the local rules and customs of wherever they travel to. A document explaining the new regulations says the rules are in place to "prevent inappropriate everyday actions" and "address incivility in general."
Scottish Sun
09-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Holiday hotspot loved by Brits introduces new ban with £630 fines for rule-breakers
Everything you need to know about avoiding the fine NO HOLS BARRED Holiday hotspot loved by Brits introduces new ban with £630 fines for rule-breakers Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRIT holidaymakers could face eyewatering fines for seemingly innocent purchases under new rules in a popular tourist spot. New fines brought in at a sunny destination have prompted warnings to tourists to be careful when buying souvenirs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Tourists look at handbags on July 1, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain Credit: Getty 3 Unsuspecting tourists are warned not to buy things from street vendors in Palma Credit: Getty 3 The ban applies to the purchase of anything from food and drinks to souvenirs and watches Credit: Getty With the summer holidays fast approaching, many families will be dreaming of setting off for a well earned break in the sun. But one ever-popular location has brought in new rules against unauthorised street vendors. Unsuspecting tourists are warned not to buy things from street vendors in Palma, the capital of the Spanish island Majorca. It may be tempting to pick up a quick snack or refreshment from conveniently placed street vendors. But tourists who break the new rules risk being hit with a mammoth fine. Under the regulations, people who are caught buying from rogue street salespeople could face penalties of up to €750 (£630). The ban applies to the purchase of anything from food and drinks to souvenirs and watches. Danny Toffel, CEO and founder of online retailer Watches2U, told Euro Weekly News: "When travelling abroad, it's always worth reading up on local rules. "These measures have been implemented to safeguard Palma's culture and economy and, in some instances, for public safety. "Purchasing from unauthorised street vendors might appear a harmless way to snag a bargain, but they can undermine local, legitimate businesses." Tourists in the popular holiday spot are instead advised to buy from reputable, legitimate businesses instead of street vendors. Toffel added: "Illegal street vendors may also peddle counterfeit goods, which again may not seem like a significant issue to many, but violate intellectual property rules and divert money away from legitimate businesses." These new laws are understood to be related to concerns from residents about overtourism. Holidaymakers in Majorca should also be aware of new regulations around electric scooters. Riders now have to prove they have civil liability insurance and have to wear a helmet. Fresh penalties on graffiti have also been unveiled, with rule-breakers to get handed a €3,000 fine. There are also penalties against nudism - whether it be total or partial - of up to €750. Tourists are ultimately advised to make sure they read up on the local rules and customs of wherever they travel to. A document explaining the new regulations says the rules are in place to "prevent inappropriate everyday actions" and "address incivility in general."
