The problem is that people going abroad tend to feel very relaxed, and let down their normal guard. Things that they wouldn't consider doing at home become bad habits that they don't think twice about once abroad, and yet the dangers are often even greater. Petty thieves and organized gangs are very aware of the fact that tourists have three main weaknesses. Firstly, they are relaxed as they are on holiday, and likely to have their guard down. Secondly, they are very likely to be carrying plenty of cash and cards on them. And thirdly, they are in unfamiliar territory, allowing sneak thieves and opportunistic criminals the chance to make a swift and effective getaway, often before you even know a crime has been committed.

So what can you do to help guard against such unfortunate circumstances? One of the common problems is that people on holiday start doing things at strange hours such as shopping late at night, just because they can. The darkness only adds to the dangers, and as tourists, whether you like to admit it or not, you'll be noticeable as such. Doing your shopping during daylight hours, when there are more people about is a safer choice. Of course, whenever you choose to do your shopping it pays to not be too flashy, and wearing expensive jewellery and carrying an expensive designer handbag will draw attention to yourself, but not always in the way you would want.

You will undoubtedly have to carry cash on you, but try to keep this to a minimum, and if you do have a fair amount with you, split it between your inside pockets and your wallet, so that it is not all kept in one single place. Don't put cash, cards or your wallet in your back pocket as this is far more vulnerable, and very easy to pick. In addition to which, the fact that it's behind you immediately puts you at a disadvantage because the thief will be able to get away without you ever having caught sight of his face.

Wherever you can, use your credit card to make purchases. Not only is this safer because your credit card company will protect you against fraud and purchases which turn out to be suspicious, but it is less flashy. Nothing is more tempting than a casual, tired tourist who's not paying a great deal of attention and is in a shop making a payment with wads of notes hanging out of the wallet.

Your holiday is a time to relax, but at the same time there will be a thousand different things going on about you that will distract you, intrigue you or interest you. It is difficult, but at all times try to be aware of your surroundings, the people around you, and where your wallet and other items are kept. An inside front pocket is the safest, although if you're wearing a coat or jacket, make sure that this doesn't easily flap open and leave the wallet exposed. It may be an old trick, but it still works - to bump into someone apparently accidentally, but in fact making a quick grab for the wallet in the inside jacket pocket. It's easily done, and you won't even realise it's happened until you try to make your next payment.