Brits escaping the autumn chill for Benidorm have been warned to stay vigilant against a common crime that could ruin their holiday and cost them thousands.

Michelle Baker has lived in the tourist hotspot for over 40 years where she once ran a newspaper for two decades – but she now keeps Brits informed with her Benidormforever Facebook group.

And her latest post was a “serious” message and she started it off by writing “Look out… there’s a thief about!”

Explaining concerns raised in recent days, she added: “The happy holiday vibe coupled with the warm weather – and a couple of cocktails – can often make us less vigilant and I don’t want to be a party pooper but several people have contacted me in the last two days to tell me they’ve been pickpocketed…

“All were in the Old Town (generally considered the safest area of Benidrom) and none felt a thing.

“Benidorm is a statistically safe place but crowds anywhere in the world attract pickpockets, and sadly Benidorm is no different.”

Offering advice, she concluded: “You know the drill; Keep your valuables out of sight; don’t carry your passport with you (unless you’re going to change money), don’t leave phones on the table, and beware of strangers getting too close, asking questions or bumping into you…

“Spread the word; stay vigilant and stay together for a happy holiday folks.”

Replying to the post, one person said: “Always zips and keep everything in the front pockets. Benidorm gets bad reviews for this but go to London Oxford Street exactly the same.”

Another said: “We were targeted not far from the royal last week. Hubby’s wallet taken from buttoned short pocket. Didn’t feel a thing, first time in 35 years visiting.”

One commenter said: “A young man on (scooter emoji) tried to steal my phone from my bag late at night, but fortunately although I had consumed plenty of gin I still had my sensible head on and stopped him. That was old town.”

A fourth said: “Visited in April, friends zipped up bag was dipped and her purse was taken. The pickpockets walked right in front of us, broad daylight, been visiting years, it is getting worse, a zip will not stop these low lifes.”

Another added: “Thank you am coming in November we’ll take what you said on board.”

Earlier in the summer Michelle revealed she herself nearly fell victim after an “agitated young individual” approached to say he had lost his friends and could not remember where he was staying.

The scam involved the person indicating that they vaguely knew where it was and that you could help by opening Google Maps for them before they snatched the device and ran.

Michelle added: “I was lucky; I didn’t get my phone out I simply told the chap who stopped me where his hotel was… but my friends weren’t so lucky and are absolutely gutted to have fallen for this.”

The Foreign Office meanwhile has advised: “Be alert to the risk of street crime. Thieves use distraction techniques and often work in teams. Take care of your passports, money and personal belongings, particularly when collecting or checking in luggage at the airport, and while arranging car hire.

“Do not carry all your valuables in one place. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport somewhere safe. Make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Keep all doors and windows locked. If you’re concerned about the security of your accommodation, speak to your travel operator or the property owner.”