GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Swiss summer outdoor music festivals have grown in number, size and popularity, not just with the Swiss but with foreigners. Old ideas die hard, and one of these is that Switzerland is completely safe, which tends to lead many foreigners to do things they would never do at home, ignoring basic common sense when it comes to protecting their possessions from thieves.

Brits enjoying music festival (photo, UK Foreign Office)

The British Foreign Office has created a video that offers some tips but also shows interviews with music fans who’ve had things stolen, to help festival-goers avoid the problems.

“Spend your time at the festival, not with us” is the Foreign Office message to British music lovers heading to Swiss festivals.

The video “contrasts the fun of festivals with victims of crime talking about how having their stuff stolen ruined a good time,” says the British Embassy in Bern, noting that it’s already attracting thousands of views:

“‘Within a minute, we turned round, the bag was gone’, says one. I’d been warned but you never think it’s going to happen to you’, adds another, as the video shows victims who found out just how quickly and easily things can disappear.

The video’s message – ‘Make sure you spend your time at the festival, not with us’ – aims to encourage music fans to keep their belongings safe before going off to enjoy the beach or a gig.”

Vice Consul Martina Hatleova says “Two simple steps can help you avoid becoming a victim of crime at festivals.  First, don’t leave your valuables behind in your tent or out of sight even for a minute – keep them in a zipped pocket or bag. Second, treat your passport as a valuable document: if it gets lost or stolen you’ll miss out on the festival while you are getting a new one to get home.”

Getting a replacement travel document is both time-consuming and expensive, and British Consulates – which are always busier during music festivals – say the more cases they can prevent, the better.