Thefts from tourists raise alarms overseas

Thefts of foreign currency and valuables from tourists visiting Sri Lanka have raised red flags overseas.

Recently, three men including the owner of the tourist hotel in Unawatuna and an accountant were arrested for the thefts of over Rs. 750,000, US$60,000, and about 200,000 Russian rubles from a Russian group. The victims had filed a complaint with the Tourist Police in Unawatuna.

According to police, the owner had used a key to open the safes, while the tourists were away.

This week, police arrested a male suspect who stole the bag of a Qatari tourist who was aboard a train near Diyathalawa. The bag had contained valuable photography equipment, Qatari riyal, and local currency worth over a million rupees.

The police said the suspect had befriended the tourist during the train journey and the Qatari had trusted the suspect to watch over the bag.

Three suspects were also arrested in Tissamaharama for stealing US$800 from a Czech couple.

Over 70,000 tourists have arrived in the first three weeks of January and the peak of arrivals is approaching. High visitor numbers are expected in February and March.

Last year, Sri Lanka drew the highest number of tourists in January (82,327), February (96,507) and March (106,500). Then, arrivals fell drastically and remained low until November.

“The coming two months are very crucial for tourism. Any act of violence or theft should be dealt with severely to prevent such incidents from becoming common,” said veteran hotelier Srilal Miththapala.

This month’s highest tourist arrivals are from Russia (over 17,000), India (9,181),

Germany (6,269), the United Kingdom (5,933) and France (3,342).

Australia, Canada, the United States, Maldives, and Israel were among the top 10 countries.

“About 65% of the tourist guest houses in the country are not registered with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. Online hotel booking sites have so many unregulated guest houses,” he said.

Former director of tourist police, retired DIG Maxie Procter told the Sunday Times that police, hoteliers and guest house owners, and both public and private transport services providers should ensure the safety of tourists.

“The economic crisis and increased number of drug addicts are leading to such thefts. Tourists should be made aware at arrival points by distributing leaflets containing emergency mobile numbers of the tourist police officer in charge. They should be able to complain not only about thefts, but also harassment by three-wheel drivers,” said Mr. Procter.

Overseas travel advisories are alerting residents.

A UK advisory says: “There have been reports of thefts from hotels and guesthouses and of some street crime targeting tourists (eg bags and jewellery being snatched by criminals on mopeds/ motorbikes). You should take precautions to safeguard your valuables, especially passports and money.’’

An advisory in Canada says: “Theft has occurred in hotels and guesthouses.’’

Director of Tourist Police, Senior Superintendent of Police Athula de Silva said more officers have been assigned to the southern tourist areas. “We have alerted officers in tourist police units island-wide and instructed them to take swift action when a complaint is filed.’’