VACATION IS A TIME TO RELAX; HOWEVER, KEEP YOUR COMMON SENSE WORKING
AROUND THE HOUSE
-
When going on vacation or out-of-town for any reason:
-
Don't publicize vacations ahead of time. Burglars watch for newspaper accounts.
-
Stop deliveries of newspapers and mail. The telephone number to call at the Orlando Sentinel is 407-420-5353.
-
An Authorization to Hold Mail card (PS8076) may be obtained from your mail delivery person or picked up at your nearest Post Office. Or - have a friend pick them up while you are gone.
-
Arrange to have the lawn mowed.
-
Leave information where you can be contacted in an emergency with a trusted neighbor and ask them to keep an eye on your house.
-
Give your house a lived-in appearance.
-
Have a neighbor occasionally use your garbage can.
-
Put automatic timers on several lights and a radio. Set them so they will turn on and off at random times in different rooms, especially the bathroom.
-
Do not leave lights on 24 hours a day.
-
Leave drapes in a normal position to maintain a lived-in appearance.
-
Turn the bell on the telephone down to low.
-
Have a neighbor park in your driveway or in front of your house.
ON THE ROAD
-
While you are on your vacation, you can greatly increase our protection by taking the following safety precautions.
-
Carry traveler’s checks instead of large amounts of cash.
-
Always carry wallets, purses and bags securely. (Do not leave purses on chairs, under tables or on restroom hooks.)
-
Keep your cash, jewelry and valuables (such as passports, cameras and airline tickets) locked in your hotel safety deposit box or safe.
-
Keep track of your keys. (You may consider returning your hotel room key to the front desk while away from your room.)
-
Do not leave room keys laying around the swimming pool.
-
NEVER pick up hitchhikers.
-
Never leave your keys in unattended car, even while running a quick errand or filling up with gas.
-
While driving, travel on main roads and use maps.
-
Lock any packages, cameras, clothing or other valuables in the trunk when you leave your car.
-
At night, park your car in a well-lighted area. Remember to lock doors and roll up windows.
-
Be wary of solicitors.
-
Travel in pairs or groups if possible.
-
Pay attention to your surroundings. Should you see anything suspicious call 9-1-1.
-
ALWAYS lock your hotel room door, even if just going for ice. Intruders much prefer to walk in rather than crash in.
If you do become the victim of a crime, report it immediately. Do not wait until you return home. Crimes must be reported in the jurisdiction where they occur.
Crime Prevention Guide
