Many holidaymakers are having their relaxing dose of sun, sea and sand disrupted by thieves stealing their personal items, a new survey claims.

Lloyds TSB Insurance found that one in ten holidaymakers have been affected by holiday crime. Hotels were the prime location for items to mysteriously disappear whilst one in five people said they had been mugged on the street.

One in ten had fallen prey to thieves on planes, buses and boats. Tourist attractions and the beach also proved to be crime hotspots.

Over half of people surveyed said that they had had money stolen whilst one in five claimed their bag was taken. Digital cameras, sunglasses, jewellery, mobile phones, passports and tickets also posed a big temptation to thieves.

Half of the victims said their holiday had consequently been disrupted with one in five feeling that it took a long time to sort things out after the theft. Around 15 per cent said the experience put them on their guard for the rest of the holiday whilst one in ten said it had completely ruined their time away.

Phil Loney, managing director, Lloyds TSB Insurance, said: "Although we're all aware of the risks of foreign travel, when we're actually on holiday, it seems we can slip into a false sense of security. It's all too easy to forget that crime can still happen when you're having fun.

"It is absolutely vital that anyone travelling abroad, checks, checks and checks again, that they're insured," he added.