(from California Attorney General's Crime and Violence Prevention Center)
Vacation is a time for fun and relaxation. Don't let yours be ruined by crime. Follow the crime prevention tips below.
Before leaving...
Have good locks on all doors and windows and USE THEM!
Engrave your valuables with your drivers license number (preceded by "CA") and post Operation I.D. stickers in entry doors and windows.
Never leave your house key hidden outside under a doormat, in a flower pot, or on the ledge of a door.
Make your house appear "lived in." Use timers for lights and radios. Have a neighbor or a friend pick up mail, packages and newspapers, and keep the lawns mowed and watered.
Leave your trip plans and an emergency phone number with trusted neighbors or friends.
On the road...
Have your car serviced prior to leaving.
Never carry large amounts of cash; use traveler's checks. If you must carry large sums of money, do not display it openly.
Keep a record of traveler's check numbers and your credit card numbers in a safe place. Have the phone numbers to call in case your checks or credit cards are lost or stolen.
Be aware of your surroundings and never advertise your plans to strangers. This includes travel routes and the amount of cash you are carrying.
Do not stop to offer help to a stranded motorist. Go to the nearest phone booth and call for assistance.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
If you suspect someone is following you, drive to the nearest service station, restaurant or business and call the police or sheriff's department. If you believe it is unsafe to get out of your car, sound your horn and flash your lights to draw attention.
If your car breaks down, raise the hood and attach a white flag to the antenna.
If someone stops to help, it is advisable that you stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police or a garage. If you must abandon your car, keep all passengers together.
If you use a cellular phone, make sure you have the AC cord and extra, fully charged batteries.
Car Security
Always lock your car after entering or leaving it.
Park in areas that will be well-lighted during darkness.
Check the back seat before entering your car.
Mark your car radio and other removable car equipment with your driver's license number (preceded by "CA").
Always lock valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk.
Always carry wallet, checkbooks, purses, briefcases and cellular phones with you.
Do not advertise that you are a tourist. Place maps and travel brochures in the glove compartment.
Sightseeing
Remember: Planning reduces your chance of becoming the victim of a crime.
Ask for directions at a hotel/motel on how to get to the attractions you want to visit.
Select tour guides carefully.
Ask if there are any areas in town you should avoid. Stick to well-lighted main streets and public areas.
Looking lost may make you look like an easy target for crime. If you do get lost, find an open business and ask for directions
Only carry with you the cash you will need and only small denominations.
Make sure your children know the name, address, and phone number to your hotel or motel.
If older children go off separately, be sure they understand the importance of keeping track of time and returning promptly at appointed hours.
Hotel/Motel Security
When staying overnight at a hotel or motel, remember the following:
Determine the most direct route to and from your room to the fire escapes, elevators and nearest phone.
When occupying or leaving your room, use auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows. (You may want to purchase a portable door lock for traveling.)
Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry. Open the door only if you are certain the person has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the hotel/motel office.
Unpack and place belonging in the closet and dresser. Arrange your things so you'll know if anything is missing.
Consider locking any electrical appliances in your luggage. (Suitcases should always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out of your room.)
Never leave money, checks, credit cards or your car keys in the room. Take them with you.
Place extra cash, expensive jewelry or valuable items in the hotel/motel safe.
Report any lost or stolen items to the hotel/motel management and to the police.
Report to the management any suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms. Remember--the only way to stop crime is to get involved in prevention.
