Foreign Office warns 'lock doors' and urges UK tourists to find a 'safe'

The Foreign Office has issued a warning to UK tourists heading to the Caribbean. The Foreign Office has a list of precautions UK tourists in Dominica need to take, as they try and hunt for winter sunshine as the mercury plunges domestically.

"The crime rate in Dominica is low, but you could be at risk walking alone away from the main roads, particularly after dark," the Foreign Office said. Warning Brits, the body went on to urge: "Take precautions to protect your personal safety."

It said: "Make sure your accommodation is secure – this also applies if you’re staying on a yacht. Take care when walking alone off main roads. Take particular care around large gatherings, including street and beach parties, especially after dark or during the festival season .

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"Avoid isolated areas, including beaches, after dark. Only use licensed taxis. Do not carry large amounts of cash or jewellery. Leave valuables and travel documents in your hotel safe or a safety deposit box . Keep car doors locked when driving and do not stop if pedestrians try to flag down your vehicle."

It adds: "The roads on the island are sometimes narrow and in poor condition. Pedestrians often walk on the roads and drivers swerve to avoid potholes or fail to indicate before they pull out. There are few road signs and it’s easy to get lost. If you have an accident, call the police and do not move your vehicle.

"The main highway from Douglas Charles Airport is prone to landslides after bad weather and there are sheer drops where the road has fallen away. Avoid driving on this road at night." Lonely Planet says of Dominica: "Few islands in the Caribbean can compete with the sheer dramatic majesty of Dominica, with its boiling lake, rainforest-shrouded volcanoes, sulfurous hot springs and superb diving."