Confessions of a Traveller: Lessons From a Life of Crime
Before YouTube, before travel vlogs and social media , my life was steeped in a different kind of adventure. A life of crime, you could say, but just not in the way you might imagine.
I was a police officer in the West Midlands, serving three decades in the force, serving on the front line, running crime prevention departments, and even popping up on the likes of BBC, ITV, and Sky News to share crime safety advice. If you’ve ever watched Fake Britain, you might even have seen me leading a raid!
Those years taught me something I’ll never forget: how quickly things can go wrong when you’re not paying attention. And it’s something every traveller, from seasoned explorer to first-time holidaymaker, needs to understand.
Seven Seconds
It takes less than seven seconds for a criminal to decide whether you’re a good target. Seven seconds while you’re fumbling with your phone, gazing at the scenery, or checking your map. In that time, you’ve told a potential thief everything they need to know.
I once stood just inside in a narrow alley in Benidorm, camera in hand, just watching to see who would be aware of my presence. People streamed past, laughing, chatting, lost in their own worlds. Most didn’t notice me at all—I felt invisible. And that invisibility? That’s what criminals rely on.
Even the Policeman Gets Picked
You might think that with decades in law enforcement, I’d be immune to being a victim. I wish that was true.
Years ago, my family and I were in Tarragona, Spain. It was a beautiful day—sunlight spilling across the ancient stones, my young son giggling as I lifted him from his pushchair to show him the view.
Ten seconds later, the rucksack hanging from the pushchair was gone.
Vanished.
In that brief lapse of concentration, someone had slipped by, taken it, and disappeared. There was nothing of real value inside, but the impact on us was huge. Lisa was in tears, our day was ruined, and I was left with a sinking feeling that even I’d been caught out!
It’s a humbling reminder that crime doesn’t just happen to “other people.” It happens to anyone who’s distracted—even for a moment.
Simple Habits, Big Difference
The good news? Staying safe doesn’t mean being paranoid. It means being present.
Keep your head up. Make brief eye contact with people around you. Criminals don’t like being seen.
Use bags with zips, and better yet, clip or lock those zips together. A simple carabiner or mini padlock can be enough to deter an opportunist.
Personally, I’ve become a fan of the humble bum bag—or “fanny pack,” if you’re from across the pond. It’s not the height of fashion, but it’s practical. I loop mine through my belt so it can’t be cut off. Inside go the essentials—passport, cards, a bit of cash. Everything else stays back at the hotel, preferably in a safe.
And here’s a pro tip I’ll be using for my daughter as she sets off travelling in New Zealand: slash-proof and lockable bags. If you are interested here is a link – https://alnk.to/90BQGBo
They’re slightly pricier, but worth every penny for peace of mind. The good ones can be locked to furniture, zipped securely, and are reinforced against knives. Even though I am notoriously frugal I’d rather invest a little more upfront than watch tears fall over a stolen passport abroad.
The Art of Not Being a Victim
Criminals rely on distraction. Sometimes that’s as simple as a “street game” with a crowd around it—the classic pea-under-the-cup trick in places like Benidorm. While your curiosity draws you in, someone else’s hand might already be in your pocket.
Other scams are more personal. “Hugger muggers” target drunk tourists, embracing you while deft fingers relieve you of your wallet. If a stranger insists on touching, grabbing, or diverting your attention—trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
And never, ever carry everything in one place. Split your cards, cash, and ID between bags. Keep a “mugger’s wallet”—an old one with a few small notes and useless cards. If the unthinkable happens and you’re threatened, compliance is the safest move. Hand over the decoy and walk away.
Your belongings are replaceable. You aren’t.
When Things Go Wrong
After thirty years in uniform, I’ve seen the worst that can happen when pride gets in the way of survival.
If someone wants your possessions badly enough to threaten you—give them what they want. Distance and awareness are your best friends. And if you must move, move backwards. It sounds simple, but that technique saved my life once, when a man came charging at me with a garden fork.
(He lost, by the way. I gained three displaced ribs but that is a story for another day.)
Travel Light, Travel Smart
I don’t share these stories to scare anyone. Quite the opposite. Travel should be freeing. It should be about joy, curiosity, and the thrill of seeing the world—without looking over your shoulder.
But a little awareness goes a long way. It turns fear into confidence, and vulnerability into vigilance.
So the next time you step off the plane, look up, smile, and take it all in. Just keep one hand on your bag—and your wits about you.
Because adventure is worth protecting.
