From Newark Police
The Holiday travel period is quickly approaching and it is critical that you take your crime prevention instincts with you.
Being aware of the threat of crime -- and what you can do to prevent it -- will go a long way toward making your trip safe and successful.
The National Crime Prevention Council offers the following travel safety tips:
At the Airport
- Stay alert and watch your bags and computer carefully at all times. Don’t let anyone but uniformed airline personnel handle or watch your bags.
- Always carry proper identification such as a state issued driver’s license or passport.
- Keep your airline ticket and identification close to you at all times.
- Do not bring anything on board for another person unknown to you or not traveling with you, however innocent or small the package or item may appear.
- Report any unattended items or suspicious activity in the airport or aircraft to the nearest airport or airline official.
- Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, use a money pouch under your clothes.
- Watch out for staged mishaps, like someone bumping into you or spilling a drink. Often it’s a ploy to divert your attention from your valuables.
- Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage in case your luggage is lost or tampered with. And keep anything of value in a carry-on that stays with you.
On the Road
- Become familiar with your travel route before you start your trip. Get a map and study it before you leave.
- Make sure your rental car is in good operating condition. Learn how to operate all windows, 8 door locks, and lights, as well as other equipment, before you leave the rental lot.
- Keep maps and rental agreement concealed, not lying on the seat or the dashboard.
- Keep car doors locked while you are driving. Store luggage in the trunk.
- Park in well-lighted areas only, close to building entrances and walkways. Remember to lock the car when you leave and store all valuables out of sight.
- Have car keys ready when approaching your car. Check the back seat and floor before you get in.
- If you are bumped by another car, think before you get out. If you are in doubt or uncomfortable, signal the other driver to follow you to a nearby police station or a busy, well-lighted area where it’s safe to get out. If you have a cellular phone, call someone for assistance.
At the Hotel
- Never leave luggage unattended in public areas.
- Keep all hotel doors and window locked.
- Insist that hotel personnel write down your room number at check-in rather than stating out loud the number of your room.
- Learn the locations of fire exits, elevators, and public phones, in case of an emergency.
- Make sure your room has an indoor viewer (peephole) and dead bolt lock.
- Keep valuables -- laptops, cellular phones, jewelry, cash, etc. -- in the hotel safe when you’re not using them.
- Before taking a cab, ask the staff about directions and estimated costs to familiarize yourself with the area and avoid being taken advantage of by someone preying on a traveler.
- Always verify who’s at your hotel room door. Don’t open the door to someone you don’t know. If an unexpected visitor claims to be a hotel employee, call the front desk to confirm.
- Don’t announce room numbers in public. Keep track of your room keys.
Arrive Safely & Enjoy the Holidays!
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