Much of the criminal activity in France that we hear about in the press takes place in the outer suburbs of the large cities where social problems exist. As a tourist you are unlikely to be in that sort of area but of course care needs to be taken just as at home in the UK.

Have your wits about you at airports and stations. People who are tired after travelling and busy struggling with suitcases make good targets for thieves. Ignore the taxi touts and head for the queue for the official ones. If possible keep your luggage near you on the train. If you have to use the racks at the end of compartments, secure your bags to the rack with a lightweight bicycle chain. If you are using the Metro in Paris, be aware that the lines serving tourist spots are most likely to be targeted by pick-pockets. A favourite technique is to grab a handbag just as the doors are closing so be particularly careful then.

Try not to look like a tourist. If you need to consult a map do it discreetly. Make sure that all your important documents (passport, air tickets/ferry tickets etc) are in a safe place in your holiday rental and have copies elsewhere so that if disaster strikes, you have all the details necessary to obtain replacements. A money belt worn under clothes is far safer than a handbag or wallet and it is best just to carry enough money for the day with you.

At tourist honey-pots like the Eiffel Tower be aware of people asking if you speak English. This is a common distraction technique – one person engages you in conversation whilst the other helps himself to your valuables. Likewise, watch out for people jostling you or spilling a drink on you. Both are ploys to distract you whilst their accomplice has your bag open and the contents removed before you realize what has happened.

It is best not to make eye contact with aggressive beggars or vendors. Around the Sacre Coeur in Paris, there are many crafty operators who somehow manage to get hold of your wrist, make a quick braided bracelet and then demand 10 Euros for it, so keep your distance and keep walking. In roughly the same neck of the woods, near the Moulin Rouge, there are a lot of "dodgy" clubs with doormen who tempt you in and having got your custom, charge up to 60 Euros for a spirit and mixer. It is made clear that leaving is not an option, so again avoid eye contact and keep walking if approached.

In Paris, metro stations to avoid at night are -

• Chatelet-Les Halles
• Chateau Rouge
• Gare du Nord
• Strasbourg St Denis
• Montparnasse
• Barbes - Rochechouart

There are alarm boxes (Bornes d'alarme) in the middle of all platforms on the Metro, should you need to summon help. Alternatively dial 17 for the police.