Secure Your Residence

• Have good locks on all doors and windows and use them.
• Make sure your residence looks lived in, not empty.
• Leave shades and blinds in a normal position.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your residence while you are away. Leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
• Test your smoke and burglar alarms.
• Stop all deliveries, arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspaper and packages.
• Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived-in look.
• Have a neighbor place garbage cans at the curb on your normal pickup day(s) and return them after the garbage pickup is made.
• Plug in timers to turn lights and a radio or television on and off at appropriate times.
• Close and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway.
• If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
• Consider taking valuables to a bank safety deposit box.
• Ask police to place your home on their vacation check list.

  While Traveling

• If you are staying in a hotel or motel, take all of your luggage and valuables to your room.
• Keep extra cash and valuables locked in the hotel safe.
• Never leave your keys or valuables unattended in your room.
• Keep a daily check of your belongings.
• If you are going out in an unfamiliar area, ask the hotel clerk if there are areas you should avoid.
• Use all locking devices in or out of your room.
• Know who is knocking at your door before opening it.
• Report any suspicious activity to hotel or motel management.
• Do not carry your airplane tickets and/or passport in open view.
• Carry as small amounts of cash as is reasonable. Use travelers checks and credit cards as an alternative.
• Keep records of their numbers in a safe place, in case they are lost or stolen.
• Take a picture of your suitcases and keep the picture(s) with you. The picture(s) may be helpful in identifying your luggage if it is lost by an airline.
• While traveling, be sure your luggage is locked.
• Men are advised to carry their wallets in an inside pocket or front trouser pocket.
• Ladies are advised to carry their purse under their arm.
• Label each piece of luggage with your name and business address.
• Be very careful with bus, train or plane tickets. They are as good as cash.
• If you are a tourist, try not to advertise the fact. Don’t look lost or vulnerable. Walk with a purpose and stay alert.

• Label each piece of luggage with your name and business address.
• Be very careful with bus, train or plane tickets. They are as good as cash.
• If you are a tourist, try not to advertise the fact. Don’t look lost or vulnerable. Walk with a purpose and stay alert.