Fewer Britons arrested, but more end in hospital

By Euro Weekly News Media • Published: 04 Aug 2011 • 10:26

BRITONS are behaving themselves in Spain, and that’s official! The number of Britons arrested in Spain last year was 1,745, a drop of more than 13 per cent. These figures compare with a 2 per cent drop in the number of overseas visits by Britons.

This was revealed by a Foreign & Commonwealth Office report British Behaviour Abroad which also shows arrests for drug related offences in Spain fell by 4.5% for the year to 31 March 2011.

While drug arrests are on the increase in South America and the Caribbean, they make up less than 10 per cent of all arrests in Spain. Meanwhile, despite a fall in UK visitors to Spain, the number of Britons hospitalised here increased 23 per cent to 1024 cases. Fifteen per cent Britons travel abroad uninsured.

Deaths in Spain that resulted in consular assistance fell by 8% from 1786 to 1639. The research also shows two thirds (69 per cent) of Britons fail to find out about local laws of the country they are visiting before travelling abroad.

A third (32%) of people are unaware that they will always be prosecuted under local law if they break the law abroad. Almost half 18-24 year olds in Britain know someone who has taken illegal drugs whilst abroad.

Minister for Europe, David Lidington, warned: “People are mistaken if they think the Foreign Office can get you out of jail. We can’t, but we will work hard to try and ensure your safety, and that you get a fair trial.”