Urgent travel alert for UK tourists in Turkey as sexual assault figures released

Foreign Office officials have sounded the alarm with an urgent update as new statistics on sexual assaults and rapes involving travellers in Turkey came to light. Officials said in 2023, numerous holidaymakers sought assistance from the British embassy following such attacks.

The alarming data on sexual offences, including rape, were reported to the consular staff of the UK in Turkey. Officials said the majority of these incidents occurred during the summer season in areas popular with tourists.

Victims were often targeted by individuals working in hotels and spas, according to the Foreign Office, which also highlighted instances of children being assaulted in lavatories, urging parents to remain alert. The Foreign Office's statement read: "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."

There have been reports of victims having their drinks tampered with. To this end, the Foreign Office advises purchasing your own beverages, keeping them within sight at all times, and exercising caution around strangers who offer to exchange currency, invite you to restaurants or nightclubs, or provide food and drink, as these may be laced with substances, reports the Mirror.

Purchasing drinks from trustworthy vendors is always wise, as the authorities warned: "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 has noted that while crime rates are 'generally low', incidents such as street robbery and pick-pocketing do occur frequently in Istanbul's tourist hotspots. Travellers are also advised to only use registered yellow taxis, 'make a note of the registration number before getting in', and to never accept lifts from strangers.