It's a fact that almost all types of personal and household crime happen when people spend time away from home, on vacations, or are involved in outdoor activities. Avoid becoming part of this statistic by following these suggestions to protect your home, property, and family while you're out traveling or having fun.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE use this checklist to secure your home.

• Make sure your home looks lived in, not empty: stop mail and cancel all deliveries or ask a friend to make daily collections. Hide empty garbage cans. Leave shades and blinds in normal positions. Put an automatic timer on several lights and the radio. Have a neighbor keep your property maintained.

• Leave a key with a trusted neighbor.

• Store valuables in a safe deposit box.

• Tell a neighbor you trust your departure and return dates. Supply an itinerary with phone numbers where you can be reached in an emergency.

• Lock all windows and doors. Double check the basement and garage doors before you leave.

WHILE TRAVELING

• Carry a minimum amount of cash. Use traveler's checks and credit cards, but keep a record of their numbers in a separate and safe place.

• Don't advertise your plans to strangers.

• Always lock your car when it's parked, even if the stop is brief. Keep valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk. Don't leave wallets, checkbooks, or purses in the car.

• Never pick up hitchhikers.

• If you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and take them inside.

• If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers and raise the hood and tie a white cloth to the antenna. If you must abandon your car, keep all passengers together.

• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.

• Avoid traveling during the night hours if you can.

• If you are in a foreign country, learn the words for police officer and doctor. Know location of the nearest U.S. consulate.

MOTELS AND HOTELS

• Use all auxiliary locking devices when occupying or leaving your room.

• Know who's knocking before you open the door.

• Keep extra cash and valuables locked in the hotel safe deposit box, not in the room. Always take cash, credit cards, and keys with you.

• Locate fire exits, elevators, and the nearest phone. Plan the best way to get out of  the building in an emergency.

• Inventory your belongings daily.

• Be observant. Report any suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms to the management.

SIGHTSEEING

• Learn about your surroundings. Ask local residents about problem areas and avoid them.

• Select sightseeing companies and guides carefully

• Make sure your children know the name, address, and telephone number of your hotel or motel.

• If older children go off separately, be sure they have watches and check in with you at prearranged times.

TAKE ACTION-----TODAY

1. Call your police department to arrange for a home security survey. Correct any problems before you go away.

2. List all credit card numbers, their expiration dates, and numbers to call if lost.

3. Offer your help to neighbors when they go away!

4. Get involved with "Neighborhood Watch". "Neighborhood Watch" means knowing your neighbors and caring for their safety and security while they care about yours. Being a "nosy" neighbor is OK! While walking your dog, or just out walking or jogging for exercise, look around. Anything look suspicious? What's suspicious? Vehicles, people, activity of people, noises. If you're not sure... call a neighbor or call the police!

If you would like more information about "Neighborhood Watch" please call our Police Department at 715-723-4424.