• Cash: Do not carry large amounts of cash. If you must carry cash, never display large amounts. When possible, carry cash substitutes such as traveler's checks or credit cards. Keep a written record of your traveler's checks and credit card numbers, and keep them in a safe place.
   
• Luggage: Remove old flight tags from your luggage. Old flight tags can cause confusion and misdirect your luggage. Band your luggage as a safeguard against pilferage while in transit. In the event your luggage is misdirected, proper identification will ensure prompt recovery and forwarding.

Never leave your luggage unattended, even for a brief moment, and beware of distractions. While waiting for a room reservation or departing to another destination, keep all of your property in plain view. Designated hotel personnel are usually available to assist you with your luggage. Use the luggage check in service, normally located at the front desk. Never store cash, jewelry, medicine or other valuables in your luggage.

• Hotel Tips: Never leave valuables in your hotel room. Hotel management encourages guests to use their safe-deposit box services, in the hotel vault, free of charge. When you are not wearing your jewelry, keep it and other valuables in the hotel vault.

When you get to your room, determine the most direct routes to the elevators, stairs and fire escapes. Most room doors are equipped with interior locking devices that can be used while you are in the room. Use of interior locking devices affords you extra security. If additional security is desired, purchase a portable travel lock.

Never automatically open your door. If your door has a peephole, use it. Prior to opening your door, always know the identity of the caller. Hotel employees should have identification. If someone claims to be a maintenance or repair employee, ask to see identification. Telephone the front desk for verification if you have any questions or doubts. Never invite strangers to your room, no matter how helpful or charming they appear.

When leaving your room, lock the door, even if you are briefly darting down the hall for a towel or ice. If you leave your room in the evening, turn on a light and leave a radio or television on to make it seem that the room is occupied. Always pull the door shut by hand and double check it. When you retire for the evening, make sure your key is not outside in the door lock.

• Sightseeing Crime Prevention: Make note of your passport number. If it should be lost, this will facilitate getting a new passport with fewer problems. Prior to your day of sightseeing, obtain directions at the hotel for those attractions you intend to visit. Never discuss your sightseeing schedule in the presence of strangers. When possible, travel with another person while sightseeing or shopping. During the evening, always travel on well-lighted streets.

If you must carry large amounts of cash, there are several varieties of money belts and ankle wallets that can be purchased. Never carry your wallet in your rear pants pocket. Women should carry their billfold or coin purse in a coat pocket. If you must carry a purse, firmly grasp the top portion of the purse while shopping, waiting for, or riding a bus.

Be aware of your surroundings and watch for suspicious people or vehicles. When driving, keep your vehicle doors locked at all times and windows rolled up. Keep your vehicle and house keys on separate key rings (valet keys). Never pick up hitchhikers.

• Pickpockets: Pickpockets usually work in teams of two or three people. They take their time, stalk their victims, and strike when the victims are most vulnerable. Always be aware of possible distractions staged by a pickpocket team. Pickpockets may drop something in front of you, or cause a loud commotion near you, as a distraction. Once you are distracted, the other pickpocket steals your valuables and walks away.

If you are jostled, bumped, or crowded by anyone, consider that a pickpocket may be in action. If your pocket is picked, call out immediately for assistance and warn others.

• Vehicle Tips: Never leave your vehicle with the engine running or keys in the ignition. Always lock your vehicle, close the windows, and take the keys with you. Avoid leaving an extra set of keys in a secret hiding place. Never leave your wallet, credit cards, registration or driver's license in your vehicle. Remember that any expensive items left in plain view invite theft.