The National Crime Commission warns that criminals often look for opportunities to take advantage of people traveling in unfamiliar territory. Follow the suggestions here to reduce chances you will be targeted by the bad guys.
Luggage
Thieves search airports, train stations, bus terminals, looking for travelers juggling several pieces of luggage. Since the travelers' attention is on the luggage they are more vulnerable to crime because they are less likely to notice one or two pieces of missing luggage until it is too late.
Label the luggage and list the items in each bag. Here's a tip: take digital snapshots of luggage just before a trip to use for quick identification. Lock all luggage securely. This will help to discourage spur of the moment luggage thieves.
Purse/Wallets
Women should keep their purse close to the body. Wrap the purse over one shoulder across the body and under the other arm. Never swing the purse freely from a wrist or shoulder. A thief could easily cut the strap and run off before even noticed.
Men should place their wallets in a front inside jacket pocket to discourage pickpockets. Never place the wallet in the back pants pocket where a thief has easier access.
Attitude
Walk with confidence. Hold your head high. Make eye contact with the people around the area. This is especially important for business women who travel alone. The National Crime Commission found that women normally do not look people in the eye as often as males traveling alone. Thieves target women demonstrating this passive behavior.
Credit Cards/Important Papers
Think twice before bringing all your credit cards, debit cards, or social security cards with you on a business trip. If a thief gets control of these cards he could easily empty your account.
Special Travel Precautions
Single women traveling alone might want to try this tip: wear an inexpensive gold wedding band, this will discourage unwanted male attention. Thieves often look for single women traveling alone because they are considered more vulnerable.
Leave expensive jewelry at home. Travelers wearing expensive jewelry are often targets and followed back to their hotels by thieves.
Pocket size travel alarms are suggested by experts if one travels alone. These alarms are convenient and easy to use. Simply hang the alarm from its strap around the entrance door. If someone jiggles the door, a loud piercing alarm sounds. These units are inexpensive and available everywhere.
Question hotel personnel about fire and emergency exits. Ask about neighborhood crime. Ask which areas tourist or visitors should avoid. Ask hotel personnel to suggest a cab service. Question them about cab fare rates to avoid getting scammed by unscrupulous cabbies who target travelers.
Stay in Contact
Carry a fully charged cellphone with you when on business trips. Keep the cellphone on when visiting unfamiliar areas. Make sure friends, family, business contacts know your cell phone number. If a dangerous situation arises help could be just a quick call away.
Always inform friends and family about your business trip. Make sure everyone knows your agenda. Tell them where you will stay, how long you will stay there, where you will travel, meetings, This is important if someone has to contact you in an emergency situation.
Use these important business travel tips to stay safe.
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