Contributed by: Officer Timothy Mitten
Community Action Officer
Black Mountain Precinct
Phoenix Police Department
Its summer in Phoenix and that means a few things that most know, it’s going to get hot as Hades here soon and many of us will be leaving for periods of time to escape the heat. While summer vacations are definitely needed to escape the heat, recharge from work, raising kids, etc. it’s also a busy time for burglars as they know it’s a target rich environment. I am going to cover some basic vacation security tips that you should consider utilizing to safeguard your home and valuables and some travel security tips.
Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you are away. It is a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a trusted neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
- Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.
- Stop all deliveries and arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers and packages that may get delivered.
- Arrange for someone to maintain your yard to give the home a lived in look.
- Plug in timers to turn on lights and a radio / television on and off at appropriate times.
- Turn the phone ringer off and do not announce your absence on voicemail.
- Try not to post on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook your vacationing status. You never know who could be viewing your activities, such as friends of friends you have allowed in to see your site.
- Leave your blinds, curtains or shades in a normal position. Do not close them unless that is what you normally do.
Close and lock garage doors (including door entering house from garage), all doors leading to the exterior of the house and windows. Ask a neighbor to park a car on occasion in your driveway or if you leave a car at home park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used. Do not leave any valuables in plain view in cars. - Lock and secure all gates, storage sheds, and even electrical boxes.
- Contact the Black Mountain Precinct at 602-495-5002 and request a vacation watch to cover the time period you are gone. The off duty Desert Ridge police patrols will check on your home while you are gone.
It is natural for everyone to be concerned for their homes and valuables when they leave on vacation, and there is no guarantee that your home will not be burglarized while you are gone. By taking these simple precautions you can lower your chances of becoming a burglary victim and give you some peace of mind while you are away.
With certain areas of the world in turmoil and the constant threat of terrorism at home and abroad it is important to maintain a security mindset when traveling. The best and easiest way to enjoy your vacation travel, whether by car, boat, train or plane is to follow some basic tips.
- If you see something suspicious, say something to police or security personnel.
- Plan before you go, know the current state of affairs in the country you are going to, whether or not there is civil war, political issues or anything that could cause problems. The United States State Department can assist you in answering these questions.
- Familiarize yourself with the country’s local laws and customs, and learn at least a few words of the local language. Don’t announce that you are a tourist to anyone. Making your presence known can be dangerous in countries where kidnappings and terrorist attacks are common. Wearing a fanny pack, a camera around your neck or walking around with a big map are like announcing to everyone that you’re a tourist.
- Make sure you have all the paperwork you need before you go, including your passport, visas and other travel papers. Make sure you also leave a color copy of these documents with a friend or relative at home.
- Familiarize with illnesses that are common in the country you are traveling to. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) keeps an updated list of health information for countries around the world, and the World Health Organization (WHO) keeps track of international disease outbreaks.
- Take note of conditions such as high altitudes or humidity, which might impact your health. Consider getting a checkup to ensure you’re healthy enough to travel and check to see if you need any vaccines for that country.
- Don’t carry more than small amounts of cash, use traveler’s checks or a credit card, both are traceable and replaceable if you lose them.
- Don’t bring anything with you that you’d hate to lose. If you do bring any valuables with you, leave them in the hotel safe when you go out.
- Don’t travel alone and share your personal information (including your hotel room number) with anyone you don’t know. Don’t give out more information than absolutely necessary and never invite a stranger up to your hotel room.
- Limit your outings at night, both on foot and by car. If you do travel at night, stick to well-lit and well-traveled areas.
- Never get into a vehicle that isn’t clearly marked as a licensed taxi.
- If you are a victim of a crime abroad, contact the local police, as well as the nearest U.S. embassy, consulate or consular agency for help. They can help you replace a stolen passport, get medical care and navigate your way through the local justice system.
- Exercise caution around crowded places, such as tourist attractions, marketplaces and packed subways or train stations. Stay away from desolate, remote areas or alleys where you’ll be alone.
Hopefully none of you will fall prey to anything this summer and you will enjoy your summer vacation. The Phoenix Police Department will do everything we can in our neighborhoods to protect your homes and at the airport to ensure that you travel safely. If anyone has any questions or comments related to this article or anything else, you can reach me at 602-495-5238 or at tim.mitten@phoenix.gov . Enjoy your vacation and travel safely.
