UK holidaymakers planning to visit Greece, Italy, and Spain have been issued a ream of stark travel warnings.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its safety advice for these popular European destinations that risk possible terror activity, political demonstrations and a spike in seasonal car thefts. It comes as parts of Europe endure scorching heatwave temperatures.
In Greece, the FCDO has alerted British tourists to potential terror plots “involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police”, reports Birmingham Live.
Officials have highlighted an increased risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens. They also warned that terrorists are “likely to try and carry out attacks in Spain“, with a high global threat level for terrorist attacks.
“Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals,” warns the UK government website.
Brits abroad are advised to “Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”
The Foreign Office added: “Demonstrations, political gatherings or marches can take place” in these countries “with little or no warning, particularly in cities”, and urged visitors to heed the advice of police and local authorities. While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence.
“If you’re near areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder.”
The FCDO has also issued an alert to Brits driving abroad, specifically referencing the dangers of “high colourway pirates” who prey on foreign-registered and rental cars, particularly those pulling caravans.
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It describes the highwaymen’s tactics: “They may flag you down, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs,” and stresses the importance of vigilance, advising motorists to “stop in a public area with lights, such as a service station.”
Additionally, the advice, listed on its page for Italy travel guidance, cautions visitors about thieves frequenting coastal regions, towns, and motorway service stops.
Tourists are urged to avoid leaving bags in their vehicle even concealed in the boot for any duration. Thieves might employ various ruses to distract drivers or convince them to halt, such as feigning a need for assistance or indicating a non-existent problem with the vehicle.
“‘Highway pirates’ target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. They may flag you down, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs,” the Foreign Office added.
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“If you decide to stop to check the condition of a vehicle, stop in a public area with lights, such as a service station. Be wary of anyone offering help.”
“Thieves also target coastal areas and towns, and motorway service stations,” it warned on its travel advice page for Italy. “Avoid leaving luggage in your vehicle even out of sight in the boot for any length of time.
“Thieves may use a variety of methods to distract you or encourage you to stop your car, including asking for help or directions or pointing out a fictional fault with your car.
“‘Highway pirates’ target foreign-registered and hire cars, especially those towing caravans. They may flag you down, claiming there is something wrong with your car or that you have damaged theirs.
“If you decide to stop to check the condition of a vehicle, stop in a public area with lights, such as a service station. Be wary of anyone offering help.”
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