Vacation Safety
A nice vacation with friends or family can often be just the thing to relieve stress and "get away from it all" for a few days. It is important to remember that just because you are on vacation doesn't mean criminals are. The Bergen County Sheriff's Office and the Citizen Defense Training organization offer you the following tips to keep you and your family safe during your next trip.
Cash: Do not carry large amounts of cash. If you must carry cash, never display large amounts. 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. Be sure to provide adequate identification on the outside and inside of your luggage. In the event your luggage is misdirected, proper identification will ensure prompt recovery and forwarding.
Never leave your luggage unattended, not even for a brief moment, and be aware of distractions. Never store cash, jewelry, medicine or other valuables in your luggage.
Sightseeing Crime Prevention: Make note of your passport number. If it becomes lost or stolen, knowing your passport number will facilitate getting a new passport. When possible, travel with another person or group while sightseeing or shopping. During the evening, always travel on well-lighted streets.
If you must carry cash, never carry your wallet in your rear pants pocket. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for suspicious people or vehicles.
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 staged distractions. 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.
Some of our fondest memories are forged during family vacations. Be aware, stay safe and follow these tips to help make sure your next vacation is a happy one. Bon voyage!