Stark warning for British holidaymakers in popular beach resort
Holidaymakers staying in one of Europe’s most popular resorts are being warned to be on their guard against thieves and pickpockets following a spate of robberies.
The Foreign Office said tourists were being specifically targeted at Sunny Beach in Bulgaria and it advised Britons not to take valuables to the beach and to lock hotel windows and balcony doors.
Valuables should be locked in a safe, it said.
Earlier this month a 60-year-old British woman was mugged at midday in Sunny Beach by thieves who snatched her handbag containing €1,000, three bank cards and her mobile phone.
Tourists were also warned not to change money on the streets in Sunny Beach, only at licensed exchange points, banks or hotels.
A recent survey found that Bulgaria’s Black Sea beach resorts are the cheapest in Europe, but the Foreign Office warned that tourists are often scammed out of hundreds of pounds in bars.
"Some tourists have been victims of overcharging in strip clubs in Sofia and in some resorts like Bansko, Borovets and Sunny Beach. Overcharging can amount to hundreds of pounds and victims have been threatened with violence if they don’t pay," it said.
"Prostitution is not illegal in Bulgaria however we have received numerous reports of pickpocketing, muggings and assaults of British nationals by prostitutes and their minders.
"Avoid areas where prostitutes operate especially late at night, including car parks, badly lit areas and areas with bushes and trees. Stick to main routes and avoid alleys and short cuts in Sunny Beach."
Taxis in Bulgaria are cheap by UK standards but the Foreign Office said tourists should avoid those parked outside hotels or in tourist areas following reports of robberies and threatening behaviour by taxi drivers in Sunny Beach.
"Ask your hotel to call a taxi or flag down a passing taxi with a green ‘available’ light in the window," said the FCO. "Check the tariffs on the window before getting in as they can vary considerably."
At Sofia airport, it recommends using OK Supertrans, which has a booking desk in the arrivals hall.
In its latest update on advice to tourists visiting Bulgaria, the FCO also warned against buying stun guns and other weapons like knives, pepper spray and CS gas to bring home to the UK.
Although they’re available to buy in Sunny Beach and Bourgas, they are illegal in the UK and importing them could result in a prison sentence.
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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