Petty crime

Last updated: 16 December 2015

Standing out from the crowd is not always a good idea

Make business trips rewarding, not risky

Business travellers, as well as tourists, carrying smart phones and other electrical equipment, are at increased risk of being victims of petty crimes like pick-pocketing. Global organisations consider their business travellers and expatriates are at high risk of pick-pocketing whilst on assignment. 46% of large organisations report dealing with occurrences of this threat over a three-year period. 

The loss of a wallet, handbag, a passport, phone or laptop might seem relatively minor but it can cause serious disruption to business trips – perhaps a missed flight or appointment – as well as discomfort and stress for the victim. In some cases, thefts can result in confidential information falling into the wrong hands. All these risks can be reduced and even avoided.

International SOS is playing a leading role in providing specific advice and support for medical and security risks, no matter where your people are. Our specialist teams are working around the clock to keep your employees protected and business moving.

• Assess and understand the risks of exposure at your destination: We analyse and evaluate any location you are sending your employees to and recommend measures that help mitigate risks.

• Educate your travellers before they depart: Through our specialist security information and education programmes, we help you to prepare your travellers for the local situation as well as advise on measures to take should the situation deteriorate.

• Around the clock access for your travellers to specific local advice: Our qualified doctors and security specialists are there for your employees, no matter what, where or when.

• Stay connected with your travellers and keep track of them in a high risk location: We make sure your employees receive the latest information and are prepared at all times.

Achieve your goals and avoid loss of time and productivity by preparing your employees for travel and supporting them when they are in unfamiliar and remote locations. We help to keep your people healthy and safe, so you can focus on your core business activities.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Petty crimes can occur at any time or place but some times and places are riskier than others. We help your business travellers prepare in advance of each trip so they know all the risks. Our online city & country guides, and our Assistance Centres, help you evaluate the level of risk at different destinations. Our online solutions offer detailed advice and information so your people know how to keep a low profile, avoid certain areas and feel physically protected.  

For those living and working in remote or potentially risky locations, our site risk assessments can enable you to put in place appropriate measures to minimise the risks.  

We can also help you see at a glance exactly where your employees are and communicate with them to check they are okay. This service can include getting them to ‘check in’ at designated times – balancing your peace of mind with respect for their privacy. 

In the event of an incident our Assistance Centres have medical and security experts on hand to offer immediate support. They can explain how to replace missing documents or cash and where/how to report the incident, etc. This advice is available at all times and in almost any language.

We can help you put in place processes to better manage and reduce the travel risks faced by your employees, according to international best practices and your organisation’s specific needs.

As well as keeping your staff safe, you can be confident that you are fulfilling your Duty of Care obligations towards your employees.