TAKE A BREAK AND HAVE A SAFE VACATION  

Being away from home, either on vacation or a business trip, doesn’t mean that you have left crime behind. In fact, almost all types of personal and property crimes are highest in the warm months when people spend more time away from their houses and apartments.

The good news is that you can greatly reduce your chances of being a victim by using common sense, staying alert, and taking some basic steps to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

ON THE ROAD

• Carry little cash. Use traveler’s checks and credit cards. Keep a record of their numbers in a separate and safe place in case they are lost or stolen.
• Keep careful tabs on your plane, train, or bus tickets- they’re as good as cash. Carry them in an inside pocket, bot protruding from a jacket or bag.
• If driving, plan your route carefully, travel on main roads, and use maps. Have your car serviced and tires checked before leaving.
• Don’t advertise your plans to strangers.
• Always lock you car when it’s parked, even if the stop is brief. Keep valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk. Don’t leave wallets, checkbooks, or purses in the glove compartment.
• Don’t advertise that you are tourist. Place maps and travel brochures in the glove compartment.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Do not stop to offer help to a stranded motorist. Report the problem to the police or sheriff’s office from your cell phone or nearest phone booth.
• If you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and take them inside.
• If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers, and put a sign in the window to ask for someone to call the police.
• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.

REMEMBER: THE POLICE WOULD RATHER BE CALLED AND NOT NEEDED THAN NEEDED AND NOT CALLED.

MOTELS AND HOTELS

Use all auxiliary locking devices when occupying or leaving your room.

Know who’s knocking before you open the door.

Keep extra cash and valuables locked in the hotel safe. Always take cash, credit cards and keys with you.

Locate fire exits, elevators, and public phones. Plan the best way to get out of the building in an emergency.

Inventory your belongings daily. Arrange your things in the closet and dresser so you will know if anything is missing.

Leave the television on when leaving your room to make it appear occupied.

Be observant. Report any supicious movements in the corridors or rooms to the management.

SIGHTSEEING

INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

Use a reputable travel agent or one recommended by a friend to make arrangements, especially if you are looking for discount fares and tour packages.

Leave essential non-travel papers, such as Social Security cards and irreplaceable photos at home. Put airline tickets and most cash in the hotel safe while sightseeing.

Photocopy all documents; including passport, credit cards, and tickets before leaving home and store copies in the hotel safe.

Tourists are major targets for pickpockets in many cities. Stay alert to what’s going on around you, keep a wallet in an inside pocket and firm grip on a purse.

Ask your travel agent or the U.S. State Department about common crimes against tourist in foreign cities you plan to visit.

Use credit cards as much as possible. Check receipts and keep them to check against your bill. Tear up the carbons. Be knowledgeable about the exchange rates so you’re not cheated.

Be wary of strangers who seem overly anxious to help you.

Learn the words for Police officer and doctor. Know the location of the nearest U.S. Consulate.

Report any crime immediately to the local police. They can help stop credit card abuse, issue letters confirming losses for insurance companies, and often recover wallets and purses with cards and passports intact because most thieves are only looking for cash.

Crime Prevention tips from:

The National Crime Prevention Council
1700 K Street, N.W.
Second Floor
Washington D.C. 20006

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