Your bag is stolen. Try not to panic. Write out a list of everything that was in your bag, including credit cards, money and traveller's cheques.
Report the theft to the police and insist they give you a written report, including a list of the items that were in your bag. You'll need this to make an insurance claim.
Cancel any credit cards and cash cards (keep emergency numbers in your hotel safe). Otherwise, take all reasonable steps to contact your bank and the company that issued your credit cards and traveller's cheques.
Get in touch with the nearest British Embassy or Consulate (for a list of locations by country go to www.fco.gov.uk). Either office will be able to arrange a money transfer to you from relatives or friends at home, as well as a replacement passport or emergency travel documents. This costs between £35.50 and £56.60 (2005 prices) and the process will be far easier if you have a photocopy of your passport, or at least a note of its number, as well as the date and place of issue.
Contact your travel insurance company. A typical policy will cover the cost of your new passport, the items in your bag, the travel costs to reach the police station, or embassy, and the cash you had in your purse (though this is usually limited to £250). Keep the receipts when you buy foreign currency as this will make it easier to claim on your insurance.
Block your mobile phone. Contact your network provider immediately to avoid being charged for calls made by the thief.
Source: Travel feature in Good Housekeeping, August 2005
