France: thieves may target cars with foreign number plates. Conceal bags and purses when driving and never leave valuables in a vehicle, even for a short time or when you are nearby. The last two digits on a French car's number plate indicate the département in which the car is registered. Many hire cars are registered in Marne département (51) and cars with registration numbers ending in 51 attract the attention of thieves.

Venice: The heightened tension in the Middle East has led the Italian authorities to increase security around the Jewish quarter in Venice. Extra police have been drafted in to guard the area. Security in the Jewish quarter in Rome has also been increased.

Greek Islands: Personal attacks, including sexual assaults and rape, are infrequent. However there have been incidents of sexual assault and rape on some Greek Islands. Visitors are therefore advised to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. We strongly advise lone visitors, especially, never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time.

Portugal: Crime remains comparatively low in Portugal but pickpocketing, handbag snatching and theft from cars are increasingly common in major tourist area. Passport, credit cards, travel tickets and money should not be carried together in handbags or pockets. Leave spare cash, passports and valuables in a safe place. Portuguese police recommend that car windows and doors are closed and locked while driving at night in urban centres. Pedestrians are advised not to wear valuable jewellery or watches in public areas.

Source: the Foreign & Commonwealth office