something to declare

World guide to where to be mugged

Theft threats around the world, according to the Foreign Office Travel Advice Unit (0171-238 4503)

Indonesia: Be alert. There has been an increase in petty crime against foreigners, including several incidents of knife attacks in the town of Brastagi in Sumatra and while climbing Mount Sibayak nearby. (The Independent comments that one of our correspondents fairly recently spent four peaceful days in Brastagi, "a friendly, quiet little town. The place where you really need to watch out for yourself is Medan, an hour's bus ride away. People in Brastagi will warn you that foreigners in this big city are invariably hassled, pickpocketing is rife and mugging common.")

Iran: There has recently been a number of cases of tourists being asked for identification by bogus policemen, who have then made off with the visitors' wallets and currency. Keep passports separate from other valuables.

Madagascar: There is a danger of mugging and pickpocketing in urban areas. Precautions should be taken in crowded areas such as the popular Antananarivo market. Do not carry excessive amounts of money or wear jewellery, wristwatches, etc. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport.

Sierra Leone: There has been an increase in reported incidents of armed robbery in the past six months.

Swaziland: There is a growing number of muggings, burglaries and car thefts, with expatriates being targeted. Several vehicles have been taken at gunpoint. It is inadvisable to pick up hitchhikers.

Tanzania: Incidents of mugging and theft are common, especially on public transport and beaches. Food should not be accepted from strangers as it may be drugged. Armed car thefts, particularly of four-wheel-drive vehicles, occur fairly frequently, and may be accompanied by personal violence.