Going away
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You’ll enjoy your holiday far more if you’re not worrying about crime. Prepare anti-crime measures now – not just before you go away. Here are some quick tips:
Make your home look occupied
- Get your neighbours to check your house, collect post, mow your lawn and park their car on your driveway.
- Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark.
- Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries.
- Avoid discussing holiday plans where someone else might hear.
- Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants.
- Join the Post Office’s ‘Keepsafe’ service. They hold back the delivery of mail for up to two months.
- Leave valuable items and documents with other family members or at the bank.
- Lock all outside doors and windows and set the burglar alarm.
The journey
- Don’t put your home address on your luggage.
- Keep valuables like cameras, jewellery, cash and passports in your hand. luggage so they are with you all the time.
- Don’t rely on the locks that are built into the suitcase, as most are simply just not up to the job. An extra padlock will deter most thieves.
- Never leave your luggage unattended at the airport.
- Check to see if your luggage has been tampered with when you arrive. If you think it may have been, report it at once.
At the destination
- Try and have the exact amount of money ready when exchanging currency. Don’t produce a wallet bulging with cash.
- Don’t keep your passport, sterling or foreign currency together. Keep your travellers cheques in a separate and secure place.
- Many hotels have a safety deposit box for you to store your passport, large amounts of cash and credit cards.
- Be aware of pickpockets and handbag thefts. Don’t put anything valuable in your bag and only wear what jewellery is needed.
