A Brit who ditched the UK to live in Tenerife issued a major warning to tourists.
The holiday destination, which is often favoured by Brits for winter sun, is a super popular hotspot. Even though it’s a beautiful place to visit, you also need to be on your guard.
According to TikTok‘s @theknightstrider1 you need to be careful if you’re visiting the area during the winter months for a key reason. Having lived in Tenerife for a decade, he said a particular problem crops up every winter.
The issue, according to the local, is pickpockets. While other areas of Spain calm down throughout the winter, business in the Canary Islands goes “through the roof”.
He said a lot of the criminals who target people are gangs who “fly in” especially to try and steal from tourists. What’s more, he said they do this as a “full-time job”, so they know how to scam people.
In the clip, he explained: “They are very good at it, and they will do pickpocketing. They will steal from cars if you leave stuff inside them, so please do be very careful with your wallets, and stuff like that.
“If you’re down here, busy, the golden mile area, the Sunday markets, the Tuesday markets, all of that – those busy areas – people bumping into you, just be careful. Just like at home, we do have pickpockets around.
“I normally just take my little wallet out, and I have it in my front pocket. Just be very careful and aware. You’ll be absolutely fine if you are but, unfortunately, so many people switch off, and they have their wallet busting with cash hanging out of their back pocket.”
According to the local, pickpockets can be “so quick” to just take them when you’re not looking, so you have to be cautious. When it comes to cars, he noted they target things they can see inside it, so never leave belongings exposed.
Items like cameras, iPads and similar gadgets are common things they’ll go for, so be sure not to leave these lying around. He said he’s hearing “more and more” stories of people being targeted, so you need to be on your guard.
The video has been viewed over 1,000 times since it was shared, and people were quick to comment too. Lots of Brits seem to be visiting this winter.
One person replied: “I genuinely was expecting you to say bring a coat.” Another added: “Never had an issue over there. Can’t wait to go back in December.”
A third felt differently though, writing: “I don’t know what is going on in Tenerife. I know it’s not just Tenerife, but the vibe is off. I don’t think I would go back, and I’m not alone in that.”
Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “Such a shame. Always come in the winter, but noticed it’s definitely getting worse. Just don’t feel safe in the evening.”