The UK Foreign Office has issued an urgent warning to Brits who have holidays booked to Turkey this summer. There has been a rise in sexual assaults and rapes at Turkish seaside resorts, it says, following the release of new data.
Officials said that in 2023, dozens of holidaymakers approached the UK embassy in Turkey following attacks. The figures centre on sexual assault, including rape, reported to British consular staff.
In most of the cases that happened last summer, victims were attacked in tourist hotspots. Frequently, people were attacked by hotel and spa workers.
The Foreign Office also said some of the attacks were on children in toilets, alerting parents to be vigilant.
In the update, the Foreign Office said: “In 2023, 42 cases of sexual assault, including rape, were reported to British consular staff in Turkey. Most cases happened during summer holidays in coastal tourist areas.
“Crimes were committed at night by someone the victim met during the day, including hotel and spa workers. There have also been sexual attacks on minors visiting toilet facilities alone. Be extra vigilant in these situations.”
Some victims had their drinks spiked. The Foreign Office’s advice on this is to buy your own drinks and always keep sight of them. Also, be wary of strangers approaching you to change money, taking you to a restaurant or nightclub or offering you food and drink.
Buying drinks from reputable sources is a good idea. Officials added: “In a small number of cases, counterfeit branded bottles of alcohol have caused deaths of tourists. If you have any concerns, ask for advice from your tour operator or the Turkish authorities.”
The Foreign Office says crime levels are ‘generally low’, but adds that street robbery and pick-pocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul.
Holidaymakers are also warned to travel by registered yellow taxi, ‘make a note of the registration number before getting in’ and never accept lifts from strangers.
Figures suggest more than 3.8 million Brits chose to take their holidays in Turkey last year – with that figure due to rise in 2024 to four million.