Having spent a lot of time backpacking, I have found that Youth Hostels are safe places to stay, but use of common sense is always a good idea.

You are likely to be staying in dormitory accommodation with shared facilities, mostly with genuine travelers and backpackers. However, with so many people traveling with expensive photographic equipment and laptops these days it is important to protect valuables. Many hostels now provide lockers and passports, money and tickets can be kept in the hostel safe. Day to day money can be kept on a money belt wrapped around your body. I have also known people to use bicycle chains to fasten valuables to their bunks or other fixtures. Also use a padlock on any backpacks not put in lockers. All rooms will be lockable, and it is up to the individuals in the room to lock the rooms behind them.

As with any accommodation, it is worth doing a bit of research as to the location and making sure that the place you are staying is in a safe area, and that the street is well-lit so that if you are returning to the hostel after dark you will not face any undue threat to your personal safety. Guide books like the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide often cover hostels and will give a low down of the area and some recommendations, alternatively for more up to date information you cannot beat that of your fellow traveler who will give you feedback on safe and secure hostels that they have stayed in if you are heading in that direction.

Many Youth Hostels are part of an accredited national or international association. Larger hostels, while possibly more impersonal, often will have a 24 hour reception and CCTV coverage. Most that do not have a 24 hour reception will have lockable front doors, so people are not walking in off the street. All credible hostels will keep a record of guests' details (including passport information if you are an international visitor); this is often the law in most countries and happens in hotels also. If this does not happen then the hostel is more likely to have some more unsavoury types.
Stories of abducted and murdered backpackers are often just that, stories. Most backpackers who have come to harm have often had problems whilst hitchhiking or in remote areas on their own. Being attacked or abducted in a hostel is rare.

It is worth remembering that stories of abducted and murdered backpackers are often just that, stories urban myths and Hollywood slasher films. Most backpackers who have come to harm have often had problems whilst hitchhiking or in remote areas on their own. Being attacked or abducted in a hostel is rare.

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