The Below Listed Crime Prevention Tips are simply some of the safety steps one can take to lessen the impact of crime.
The information is by no means all inclusive and in no way meant to guarantee that you will not become the victim of crime.
Putting Burglars Out of Business and Out of Your Business
The more time it takes a burglar to break into your business, the greater the chance he'll move on. Most burglaries are committed by amateurs. They can be deterred if you take basic security measures seriously:
Lighting: It is important for your business to be properly lighted inside and out. Outside, there should be lighting near all doors and windows. High pressure sodium vapor lighting is recommended. It eliminates shadows and is inexpensive to operate.
Windows: The most vulnerable parts of any business are glass areas. In more than half of business burglaries, entry is made by breaking the glass. All rear and side windows should be replaced or covered with iron bars of 26 gauge (or stronger) wire mesh screens. For display windows, smash-resistant window film should be considered.
Before closing up at night: Remember to turn on interior and exterior lights. Leave cash register empty and open. Turn off all computers. Finally, secure and check all doors, windows, and locks before leaving.
Practice bicycle safety every time you ride
Every year in the United States, bicycle-related deaths number about 900 and emergency rooms treat almost 500,000 people for bicycle-related injuries, most to the head. Bike mishaps in the U.S. send more children to the ER than any other sport. Proper use of a bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 88%.
Regardless of your age, it's wise to follow these bicycle safety tips:
Always wear a helmet that meets one or more of the voluntary bicycle helmet standards like ASTM, Snell, or ANSI.
Make sure your helmet fits properly and is level on the head. It should not be tilted back on the crown or pulled low over the forehead. It may take time to ensure that a helmet fits properly, but it is worth the effort.
Before taking your bike out for a ride, make sure it is in good working order and properly adjusted.
Wear the proper clothing to help make sure that motorists and pedestrians can see you easily. Reflectors on you and your bike can help make you more visible.
Ride on marked paths and safe areas whenever possible.
When riding your bike on the street, always go in the same direction as car traffic.
Stay alert for vehicles, pedestrians, and potential dangers like potholes or debris.
Never ride with another person on the handlebars.
Keep at least one hand on the bike's handlebars at all times.
Know and use the proper hand signals for bike riding.
How to protect your children against abduction
It's a sad fact that thousands of children are reported missing each year. Know how to protect your children against abduction by strangers.
What YOU should do:
Know your child's whereabouts at all times.
At a very early age, teach your child their name, address and telephone number and your first and last name.
Teach them how to call 9-1-1 for help. When using the telephone for these lessons, make sure the call to 9-1-1 doesn't actually connect.
Make sure children know how to make local and long distance telephone calls.
Never leave children alone in a car, not even for a few seconds.
Establish strict procedures for picking up children at school, after movies, at friends' homes, etc.
Establish a family code word that only you, your child and a trusted relative or friend knows. Teach your child to ask for the code word when approached by someone offering them a ride.
Remind your children to never accept a ride from someone you don't know, even if the child knows them.
Talk to your children about child abduction in a simple, non-threatening way.
Listen to your child when he or she discusses anyone they have met or spoken with when you weren't around.
Have photographs taken of your children at least four times a year (especially for preschoolers). Make note of birthmarks or other distinguishing features.
Have your child fingerprinted and store the prints in a safe, easily accessible place in your home.
Teach your children to:
Never leave home without your permission. Very small children should play only in areas away from the street, such as a backyard, or in a play area supervised by a responsible adult.
Never wander off, to avoid lonely places, and to avoid shortcuts through alleys or deserted areas. They are safer walking or playing with friends.
Come straight home from school unless you have made other arrangements.
Never enter anyone's home without your approval.
Scream, run away and tell you or a trusted adult if anyone attempts to touch or grab them, of if a stranger offers them a ride.
Never give any information over the telephone including their name and address, or indicate they are alone.
Keep doors locked and admit only authorized people into the house.
Rules for baby-sitters:
Leave a number where you, a neighbor or relative can be reached in the event of an emergency. In addition, if you have a cell phone, give the sitter that number and carry your phone with you while you're out. Make sure the battery is fully charged before you leave.
Never allow the sitter to admit strangers into your home. The best rule: no company allowed.
Instruct the sitter that phone use is for emergencies only, not for chatting with friends.
Leave the number for your local law enforcement agency and tell the sitter to call immediately if there are any signs of suspicious activity or unusual noises.
The Carter Sheriff's Office offers many programs to educate children about stranger abduction. If you have any questions regarding the Stranger Danger program offered by CCSO's Countywide Operations, contact (573)323-4510
Staying Safe While You Stay Warm
Extremely cold weather is present in South Central Missouri, when temperatures drop, CCSO's wants you to remember these tips to stay safe while you stay warm:
If you use portable heaters, be sure they have an automatic safety shut-off switch and never leave children unattended in rooms with portable heaters.
Supervise children and pets at all times when a portable space heater is in use.
Never use space heaters to dry flammable items such as clothing or blankets.
Keep all flammable objects at least three feet from space heaters.
Install smoke detectors on every level, test them monthly and replace batteries at least yearly.
If any appliances or heating devices in your home produce carbon monoxide (CO), be sure to install CO detectors in your home and then test and properly maintain the detectors.
Have a qualified service technician check and clean your heating system every year.
For additional fire prevention information, call the Carter Sheriff's Office or Your Area Fire Prevention Bureau at (573)323-4510.
Domestic Violence
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
Report Domestic Violence
No one, not even someone you live with, has the right to hit you or threaten you with violence. There is a law to protect you. If you are being physically or sexually abused or threatened by a family or household member you may be a victim of domestic violence. You need not be married to the abuser or related to be protected under the law. Family or household member is defined as any spouse, former spouse, person related by blood or marriage, or any other household member who is or was living the same household as you. In addition, the law also protects you from abuse by a person with whom you have a child in common. There is help! If you feel that you are in immediate danger, dial 911.
Protection from Domestic Violence
If you have been abused physically or sexually, or have reason to fear you may become a victim of domestic violence, Missouri law enables you to file for a Petition for Order for Protection Against Domestic Violence; it explains your situation to the judge and tells the court from whom you need protection. An Order for Protection is a court document that states a particular person must not have contact with another person. You are eligible for an Order for Protection if you have a domestic tie with the abuser at some time and were recently the victim of abuse and/or threatened with abuse by the abuser or the victim of stalking.
If you've been a victim of domestic violence or stalking and need a cell phone to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency, CCSO can help.
Drowning Prevention
NEVER leave children unsupervised in or around a body of water - even for a moment. Children can drown in as little as two inches of water in less than one minute.
Install a self-closing gate around the pool.
Alarm every door leading to water to alert you if a child has gone outside.
Teach children water and swimming skills.
During pool parties or family beach gatherings, designate an adult to watch the children.
Remove any toys that may attract children to the pool area.
Install a pool cover to securely cover the water area.
Install a poolside, cordless phone.
Keep lifesaving equipment - a pole, life preserver and rope - in the pool area.
Children with long hair should clip it back or wear a cap in the pool.
Avoid keeping water in buckets or other large containers when toddlers are home.
Don't rely on flotation devices to protect your children in the water.
Wear approved live vests while on the waterways
Drowning Prevention Checklist
CONSTANT adult supervision by an adult who knows how to swim
Childproof locks on all doors leading to water
Gate or fence surrounding water
Gate or fence is self-closing with a lock
Pool cover is in use
Alarms for doors and windows leading to pool are activated
Child has completed swim lessons
Above-ground pool stairs removed when pool not in use
Lifesaving equipment in pool area and all water craft
Pool chemicals and supplies are locked in a secure area
Child is watched in bathtub at all times
Parent and / or caregiver know CPR
For more information on drowning prevention, call CCSO at (573)323-4510.
Protecting yourself when you're a victim of identity theft, forgery or fraud
Credit Card Fraud
If someone has stolen or is fraudulently using credit cards that are issued to you (including any ATM/Debit/Check cards), you will need to take the following steps:
Immediately notify the credit card company or financial institution that issued your card. Do not delay as the stolen cards are normally used quickly after being stolen.
Make an immediate police report for the loss or theft of the credit card(s) with the law enforcement agency holding jurisdiction where the loss/theft occurred and obtain a case number. If the credit card was lost or stolen and it has been used fraudulently, a theft has occurred.
The cardholder is the victim of the theft of the card only. Even though a credit card is issued to a cardholder, the issuing credit card company or financial institution (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, an issuing bank, etc.) has total control over their credit account and only extends the privilege of its use to the assigned cardholder(s). A cardholder is not deemed to be a victim of the fraudulent use of the credit card(s) solely by having their name embossed on the card. The credit card company or financial institution issuing this card will normally be the victim of any fraudulent use of the card. The victim of the crime known as fraudulent use of a credit card is determined by whomever ultimately suffers the financial loss.
The issuing credit card company or financial institution many require the assigned cardholder(s) to complete fraud affidavits along with any other document to assist in their investigation. They will determine possible courses of action which may include:
Reimbursing your account.
Writing off the fraud due to the low dollar amount of the loss or declining to prosecute the case, listing this loss as a cost of doing business. Generally, the will be no further investigation by law enforcement.
Charging back any fraudulent charges to the cardholder or merchant. If this occurs, the cardholder or merchant will become the victim of any fraudulent use of the credit card. The cardholder or merchant will have to make a separate complaint report with the law enforcement agency holding jurisdiction where the fraudulent use of the credit card occurred.
Actively persuing prosecution for any fraudulent charges made within an agency's jurisdiction. The issuing credit card company or financial institution will be required to make a separate complaint report with the law enforcement agency holding jurisdiction where the fraudulent use of the credit card occurred.
Note: As a cardholder, you should remain in contact with the issuing credit card company or financial institution to determine what the outcome of the investigation and any decision to seek prosecution. If their decision is to take the loss, there will not be any further investigation by the agency.
Contact the three credit reporting companies listed below to report this credit card theft and / or fraudulent use. Should confirm that a fraud alert is placed on your personal credit file. This should help prevent any future acts of fraud.
Identity Theft
When your personal identification information (name, social security number, driver license number, etc.) has been used fraudulently to open credit accounts, bank accounts, obtain loans, utilities, telephone services, etc., without your knowledge or permission, you are the victim of the crime of identity theft. If you believe that your identity has been stolen, you should take the following steps:
Immediately contact the company or financial institution's fraud department where your information was used and alert them of this fraudulent account. Have the account closed or cancelled.
File an immediate police report with the law enforcement agency holding jurisdiction where the identity theft occurred and obtain a case number. The location of jurisdiction is where the account(s) were opened or services provided. If your identity has been assumed outside of Carter County and you wish to file an information report with the Carter County Sheriff's Office, you may do so. The report will be forwarded to the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.
Contact the three credit reporting companies listed below to report this identity theft complaint. You will need to confirm that a fraud alert is placed on your personal credit file. This alert should help prevent any future acts of fraud involving your personal identification information where a credit check would be conducted with the three credit bureaus.
Note: identity theft cases are generally difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt due to a lack of adequate physical evidence. This is due in part to standard business practices (or policies) as businesses conduct day-to-day operations. Businesses are normally unable to provide necessary evidence (applications, contracts, receipts, etc.) or have had no actual personal contact with the perpetrator of the fraudulent act.
On occasion, you may receive information about the perpetrator such as an address, phone number or an e-mail address used to commit fraud. This information is a leadin the investigation and while usually not sufficient in and of itself to make an arrest or to facilitate submission of the case to the State Attorney's Office, you should report the information to the law enforcement agency where you filed the police report. Evidence must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the perpetrator is in fact the specific individual who committed the crime of identity theft.
Check Forgery
If you've discovered that someone has been forging checks on your checking account, you should take the following steps:
Theft of Checks
Immediately notify your financial institution of the theft. They will flag your account and determine if any stolen checks have been cashed (uttered). Make a prompt police report with the law enforcement agency holding jurisdiction where the theft occurred and obtain a case number. Provide a sworn statement to the deputy or officer, listing your bank or credit union name, account number, the check numbers of the stolen checks any possible suspect information. Include a statement that no one had your permission to take, possess or use your checks.
Checks Forged (Stolen) On Your Account
If you discover in your monthly bank statements that someone has stolen check(s) and has cashed them by forging your signature, immediately notify your bank or credit union. Make a police report as described above. You are considered a victim of the theft of checks only. Provide your bank or credit union with the original forged checks, complete and sign forgery affidavits for each forged check.
Note: Your bank or credit union will normally take the financial loss and should credit your account. Once this is done, they become the victim of the uttering of a forgery. A victim of uttering of a forgery is ultimately determined by whomever suffers the money loss. Even though your signature has been forged, you will be considered only as a witness in this case. If the bank or credit union determines that you were negligent and does not credit your account, then you will become the victim of uttering of a forgery.
Recipient of Forged Checks (Stolen or Counterfeit)
If you discover that unauthorized checks (stolen or counterfeit) have been cashed or deposited to your account, take the original forged checks to you bank or credit union. You will be required to complete and sign fraud / forgery affidavits for each check. Your bank or credit union will investigate to determine exactly how and when these stolen or counterfeit checks entered your account. They will then do one of the following:
Accept the financial loss and make an uttering of a forgery report with the law enforcement agency holding jurisdiction of where the check(s) were uttered / presented for payment; or
Notify the merchant, bank, etc. from where the check was initially received, return the check(s) in question and request repayment for their loss. The merchant or bank will have to make the uttering of a forgery complaint report with the law enforcement agency holding jurisdiction where the check was presented.
If you are the victim of any of these crimes, contact the three credit reporting companies listed below. Request that a fraud alert be placed on your personal credit file. This should help prevent any future acts of fraud.
The following is a list of credit bureaus that may be contacted when there is a dispute over your credit. These bureaus can provide you with a detailed account of your credit history. Victims of economic crimes are encouraged to contact the following companies when their identity has been compromised by criminal activity.
EXPERIAN
www.experian.com
To report fraud, dispute an item in your credit report, or order a copy of your credit report, call:
1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write to:
P.O. Box 9352 Allen, TX. 75013
EQUIFAX
www.equifax.com
To report fraud, call:
1-800-525-6285 / Fax 1-800-255-0056 or write to:
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA. 30374-0241
To obtain a copy of your credit report, call 1-800-685-1111 or write to:
P.O. Box 740241
Atlanta, GA. 30374-0241
TRANS UNION
www.transunion.com
To report fraud, call: 1-800-680-7289 / Fax 1-877-553-7803 or write to:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division
P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA. 92634-6790
To obtain a copy of your credit report or to dispute an item in your credit report, call:
1-800-916-8800 or write:
Trans Union - Consumer Relations
P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA. 19022
Helpful Resources
United States Secret Service
U.S. Treasury
www.secretservice.gov
Investigates account takeovers and fraudulent use of Social Security Numbers
Social Security "Hot Line"
1-800-269-0271
United States Postal Inspectors
www.usps.gov
Investigates mail fraud and fraudulent applications for credit by mail
Ft. Lauderdale Office
(954) 436-7200
Federal Trade Commission
www.ftc.gov
Consumer Response Center
Identity Theft: 1-800-382-4357
Tele-Check
problems with checking account frauds and opened accounts.
1-800-366-2425
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Advice and direction to victim
1-800-388-2227
Free Annual Credit Reports
www.annualcreditreport.com
Your credit reports are available to you without charge once each year from this site sponsored by Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.
Internet Safety
The Internet is an increasingly important place for children to learn, work and play. But it also presents challenges for parents, teens and younger children, especially considering the anonymity that masks users.
You can help your child avoid online pornography and encounters with predators, hackers and others who would exploit children and their personal information by establishing rules for Internet use, and making sure the rules are enforced.
General tips for parents:
Learn everything you can about the Internet. Have your children show you the sites they visit, learn chat room lingo and acronyms that chatters use (like POS for Parent Over Shoulder; more examples are included on this page.). Know what other Internet functionality your child may have access to like instant messaging, chat, e-mail and other text messaging. Visit www.cybertipline.com for a quick lesson.
Establish approved Internet time and territory. Make it clear to children what sites they can and cannot visit, what hours they may use Internet, and with whom they may communicate.
Keep the computer in a common area of the home, such as a living room or family room, where adults can easily monitor online activity.
Discuss the importance of telling you or a trusted adult if something ever makes your child or teen feel scared, uncomfortable or confused while online.
Consider safeguarding options like site blocking, filtering and monitoring. Enter these keywords into any search engine to learn more about software and browser settings that can help you control where children and teens go online. Know how to set parental controls and check the browser's history files.
Show your children how to turn off the monitor when something makes them feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.
Make sure you are aware of any other places your child may be using the Internet, such as a friend's house or the library.
Talk to your children about what personal information is and why they should never give it out.
E-mail safety:
Check the e-mail your children receive for appropriate content. All too often, e-mail addresses are "harvested" by unscrupulous marketers; the resulting "spam" messages frequently contain adult content.
NEVER post your child's e-mail address in any directory.
Don't "unsubscribe" on unwanted, un-requested or unsolicited e-mail. Don't sign up for free offers (remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is!).
Don't forward e-mails to everyone in your address book.
Make sure children only exchange email with people they know and let them use chat areas you supervise.
Tips for children and teens:
Print these requirements and post them near the computer in your home after discussing them with your family:
Don't give out your personal information such as name, age, address, telephone number, parent/guardian's name, and school name/address.
Do not respond to mean, offensive, threatening, or unwanted email or instant messaging.
Choose a screen name that doesn't identify you as a young boy or girl.
Don't share your password with anyone (except a parent/guardian)-not even your best friend.
NEVER agree to meet with someone you don't know. Remember, people online may or MAY NOT be who they say they are.
Tell your parents, a teacher or trusted adult if you read or see something online that makes you uncomfortable or if someone threatens you or suggests you meet.
More resources:
Operation Medicine Cabinet
Empty your medicine cabinet of unused, unnecessary or expired prescription medication immediately. You can do so by participating in one of our prescription drug "take back" programs. Participants can drop off prescription drugs with no questions asked. Please contact the CCSO at 573-323-4510 for information.
Would You Know if Your Child Was Addicted to Prescription Drugs?
While illegal drug use among teens is falling, teen prescription drug abuse is on the rise. One in five teens has abused a prescription pain medication, and in many states, prescription drugs have killed 300% more people than illegal drugs.
Prescription and Non Prescription Overdose Deaths
Prescription drugs are easier for kids to get than illicit drugs. They obtain them mostly from their parents' medicine cabinets, but also from friends' homes, internet pharmacies or classmates. Some signs that your child might be abusing include:
personality changes
social withdrawal
a change in appearance
erratic behavior
What Parents Can Do
Monitor your medicine cabinets. Count how many pills you have and make note of the date when you should expect to refill your prescriptions. Be aware that kids may obtain these drugs from medicine cabinets while visiting friends or family. Restrict the availability of these substances within your home.
Talk with your child about drug use. Help him or her understand that misused prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs. When used in combination with other substances, such as alcohol, prescription drug use can be fatal.
Attend a "drug take back" program to rid your home of useless or expired medications. Visit www.sheriff.org/OMC for dates and times.
Protecting Yourself After a Order of Protection is Issued
Staying safe at your residence:
Change the locks on the doors, replace any weak doors (metal doors are better than wood) and reinforce sliding glass doors by installing a lock or placing a piece of wood in the track
Add interior window locks so that windows can't be opened from the outside
Install a security system or speak to someone at your local hardware store for less expensive alternatives; install motion-sensitive lighting outside your home
Plan an emergency escape route from all areas of your home, including upstairs, and make sure all family members are aware of the plan
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1. If possible, purchase a cordless telephone and take it with you as you travel to different rooms in your residence
Teach your children how to make a collect call to you or family members in case they are abducted. Tell your children not to unlock the door if the respondent tries to get into your home
Include family pets or other animals in your safety and escape plans. Animals are often targeted (threatened with harm, cruelly injured, or killed) by a batterer or stalker as a means of controlling, terrorizing or punishing human victims. If it is not safe for you to remain at home, it is likely not safe for your animals, either
Staying safe at work:
Inform your supervisor of the existence of the Order of Protection and of any concerns you may have for your safety at your place of employment
Leave work in the company of at least one other co-worker
Park in an area that is well lighted and/or where there are other people around
Alter your route to and from work
Staying safe in the community
Use different grocery stores and shopping malls; regularly change the hours you shop to avoid detection of a routine
Avoid alcohol and/or drugs as they can affect your ability to react quickly and make rational decisions
Avoid walking in unlighted or isolated areas
If you are being followed while driving or riding in a vehicle, proceed to the nearest police station or look for a police officer - do not drive home
Protecting Against Sexual Assault
Sexual assault, most often in the form of rape, can happen to anyone. To stay safe, always be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Sexual assaults are serious and violent crimes, not the expression of uncontrolled passion.
Sexual assault is never 100% preventable, but taking certain measures can reduce the chances:
Be aware of locations and situations where assaults may occur and avoid them as much as possible.
If you feel uncomfortable about a person or location, leave immediately.
Observe details about suspicious persons. Taking note of a person's size, coloring, hairstyle, facial hair, scars, tattoos, or accent can help you give a good description.
List only your initials and last name in the telephone directory or on a mailbox.
Install a peephole in your front door and never open the door for strangers.
Avoid traveling alone and keep a cell phone nearby to dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency.
While at home, lock all doors and possible entrances.
Keep entrances well-lit.
Never indicate to a stranger that you are home alone.
Get to know your neighbors you can rely on for help.
While walking be aware of your surroundings. Walk near the street in a well-lit area.
Carry a noise making device.
While driving:
Keep your car in good working order and make sure to always have gas.
Park in well-lit areas, close the windows and lock the doors at all times.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Use extra caution when using enclosed parking garages.
If you are followed:
Drive to an open business where you can call the police.
Don't leave your car unless you are sure you can get to a safe place.
If you are attacked:
Think rationally and evaluate your resources and options
Attract attention
Fake fainting
Physical resistance
Run
After an assault or rape:
Go to a safe place and call the police immediately.
Do not shower or clean your body in any way, and keep the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault. This will preserve all physical evidence for use in court.
If you cannot wait for law enforcement, go directly to the hospital.
Staying safe when you're away from home
When you're out of the house shopping, driving or walking you could become a victim of street crime. Use these safety tips to help stay safe.
When you're away from home:
Don't shop or conduct bank business on the 1st or 15th of the month (that's when government checks and many paychecks are issued). Talk with your bank about setting up a direct deposit system for social security checks, and check with your employer about direct deposit for paychecks.
Avoid carrying large sums of money, jewelry or valuables while you're out.
Leave your important papers at home. Documents such as birth certificates and medical records are difficult for you to replace if you are the victim of a street crime.
Walk confidently. Behave in an alert and self-assured fashion. People who appear to know exactly where they are going and are aware of their surroundings are less vulnerable than those who appear timid and confused.
Be cautious when approached by strangers.
Keep one arm free when you are waiting for a public bus. A number of sex assault victims have been abducted from bus stops. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes in case you must flee and pay close attention to what is going on around you. Also, put a whistle on your keychain and have it handy for emergency use.
Avoid getting into an elevator alone with a stranger. If you must get into the elevator alone, stand near the control panel. If you become suspicious or feel threatened, push all the buttons so that the elevator will stop at the next floor and exit the elevator immediately. Ring the bell in an emergency.
When traveling, use credit cards instead of cash. Always travel with a companion.
Keep your distance from drivers who stop you to ask for directions. Stay out of the person's reach by remaining a few feet from the vehicle.
When you're driving:
Drive with your car doors locked.
Don't become a creature of habit: vary your driving/walking route when commuting to work, shopping or conducting personal business.
Don't leave your car keys or valuables in an unattended automobile, and don't leave packages where they will be visible to thieves. Lock all valuables inside your trunk, or better yet, take them home.
If you become lost while driving or walking, get to the nearest public place and ask for directions.
Never leave small children unattended in your vehicle, not even for a minute.
Park your car or walk only in well-lit, populated areas. Avoid dark, deserted areas. Have your car keys in hand before approaching your vehicle. Place a whistle on your keychain for emergency use.
Check your surroundings before venturing into parking lots or other unfamiliar areas. If you observe something suspicious, remain indoors and report it immediately.
Check the back seat of your car before entering.
Safety Tips for Travelers
When you're traveling for business or pleasure, make sure you remember these safety tips provided by the American Hotel and Motel Association:
Don't answer the door in a hotel or motel room without first verifying the identity of the person at the door. If the person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if someone from their staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose.
When returning to your hotel or motel late in the evening, use the main entrance of the hotel. Be observant and look around before entering parking lots.
Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all of the locking devices provided.
Don't needlessly display guest room keys in public or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or other places where they can be easily stolen.
Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.
Don't invite strangers to your room.
Place all valuables in the hotel or motel's safe deposit box.
Do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked.
If you see any suspicious activity, please report your observations to the management.
Discretely carry a map and be familiar with the area you are visiting. Plan trips in advance.
Don't leave purses or pocketbooks on the back of a chair when dining out; keep them in your lap and insight.
Keep your wallet in the front pocket of pants or a jacket pocket, not in the rear pocket.