Security Tips - Archive

SUMMER VIGILANCE NOTICE, June 5, 2006

Summer is here again and, unfortunately, so is the increased likelihood of residential break-ins and petty street crime. During the Summer, many go on vacation and leave residences empty, which can be an opportunity for criminals if you don’t take some basic precautions – make sure to lock your doors and engage any bolts. Lock all windows. Procure a timer for your lights so that they come on in the evening, which gives the impression that the house is occupied. If you have roll down shutters – use them. Be careful who you tell that you are leaving town. If possible, have someone house-sit for you, but ensure they know to lock all doors and windows at night and before they leave the house. With the warm weather comes the tendency to leave windows or balcony doors open at night to catch some cooler air, which also can be an open invitation to a criminal. You must ensure all your doors and windows are locked securely before turning in for the evening. You could also leave some lights on during the night. Also, do not think that because you are only going out for a few hours to a party, to church, the supermarket, etc…that it will be ok to leave windows open or to not fully engage the security lock on your doors.

The summer brings an increase in tourists and the corresponding increase in petty theft –especially around tourist sites. Keep extra vigilant when you are out visiting these areas and ladies, if you decided to take advantage of the outdoor seating at café’s/restaurants, do not/not hang your purse on the back of your chair or leave it on the ground under your chair – you may not find it there when you go to leave. Keep positive control of your valuables at all times.

A thief has all the time in a day to observe and find an easy target. For example, there are parents that use child strollers and place their purse, diaper bag, or other non-purse type bag containing their valuables in the pouch beneath the child’s seat. There have been incidents where their bags, with the valuables, have been stolen. Keep positive control of your valuables at all times.

By taking a few basic precautions and staying vigilant, you should be able to enjoy a safe and incident free summer. Remember, report any suspicious activity or criminal incident to the local police and the American Citizen Services Unit at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.