Advice for music festival goers in Malta
The Foreign Office warns music fans visiting Malta to keep their possessions safe if they want to avoid spending time with the police.
Getting a replacement travel document is both time-consuming and expensive
British music fans heading for festivals and gigs this summer are being warned to keep their possessions safe from thieves if they want to avoid spending time with the police and British consulates instead of enjoying the music.
A new video on YouTube contrasts the fun of festivals with victims of crime talking about how having their possessions stolen ruined a good time. It’s already attracting thousands of views.
“Within a minute, we turned round, the bag was gone”, says one. “I’d been warned but you never think it’s going to happen to you”, adds another, as the video shows victims who found out just how quickly and easily things can disappear.
The video’s message – “Make sure you spend your time at the festival, not with us” – aims to encourage music fans to keep their belongings safe before going off to enjoy the beach or a gig.
British High Commissioner Rob Luke said:
Two simple steps can help you avoid becoming a victim of crime at festivals or concerts. First, don’t leave your valuables out of sight for a minute – keep them in a zipped pocket or bag. Second, treat your passport as a valuable document: if it gets lost or stolen you’ll miss out on your holiday while you are getting a new one to get home.
Getting a replacement travel document is both time-consuming and expensive, and British Consulates – which are always busier during music festivals – say the more cases they can prevent, the better.
Viewers are encouraged to embed it on their websites or share it with friends, to ensure the message gets seen as widely as possible.