More British holidaymakers arrested
The number of Britons arrested overseas has risen 6% in the past year, according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Figures released today show that between April 2011 and March 2012, the FCO handled 6,015 arrest cases involving British nationals – up from 5,700 the previous year.
Drug arrests have also increased by 2% with the FCO handling 816 cases over the same period.
Minister of State for Consular Affairs, Jeremy Browne, said: "It is important that people understand that taking risks abroad can land them on the wrong side of the law. The punishments can be very severe, with tougher prison conditions than in the UK. Whilst we will work hard to try and ensure the safety of British nationals abroad, we cannot interfere in another country’s legal system.
"We find that many people are shocked to discover that the FCO cannot get them out of jail. We always provide Consular support to British nationals in difficulty overseas. However, having a British passport does not make you immune to foreign laws and will not get you special treatment in prison."
The statistics, released in advance of the full British Behaviour Abroad report next month, show that Britons are more likely to be arrested in Spain and the US. There was a 9% increase in arrests in Spain last year.
Anecdotal evidence from Embassies and Consulates overseas suggests many incidents are alcohol-fuelled, particularly in popular holiday destinations such as the Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Balearics, Malta and Cyprus, said the FCO.
In the past year, around half of total arrest cases involved people under the age of 34.
David Thomas, Consular Regional Director covering Spain, based in Madrid, said: "The police on Mallorca and Ibiza have a zero tolerance attitude towards alcohol-fuelled offences and we see many young people being arrested for causing trouble outside bars and clubs at night."
In Jamaica, Serbia, Peru and Brazil over 70% of arrests were drug related.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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