Criminals and petty thieves travel too!

Do you often wonder how many crimes are committed at airports? Eighty-five percent of crimes committed against travelers occur at the airport. Approximately 2 million passengers fly each day and 1 billion passengers are expected to fly each year by 2015. The more people travel, the more opportunities for criminals to prey on unsuspecting travelers.

Let’s talk about how not to become a victim of a crime. Remember to purchase privacy tags for your luggage to keep your information private. Don’t give out personal information out loud. Write down the information or speak quietly so no one else can hear you. Do not provide financial or personal information while talking on your cell phone. Do not work on sensitive files while on the plane. You don’t know if the person behind you is looking through the space between the seats. Use the buddy system if you can when you go to the bathroom. Some baths across the country are used as meeting places for men or women looking to have a good time. Direct all questions to airline employees, security or police if you need information.

When you go through airport security, make sure you put your valuables and all metal items in your hand luggage and not in the small trays provided at the checkpoint. Do not put money clips with paper money still attached in the small trays. You’re really asking for trouble. Be sure to go through the metal detector at the same time your carry-on and bag go through. At Chicago O’Hare, a passenger placed his computer on a chair, and since it wasn’t in front of him, he forgot about it. A criminal saw a computer sitting by itself, sat on the chair where the computer was, slipped it into his jacket, and walked away in less than 30 seconds. The good news is that he recovered.

If you travel outside the country, register with the Department of State. This way they know you are abroad and they can help you if you ever help. Use a money belt for important documents, money, and your passport. Buy a bag made of wire. You can buy or view these purses and bags on my website. Always keep your wallet in your front pocket and when you take it out, don’t leave it on the counter. It can disappear or you can walk away and forget about it. Make two copies of your passport. A copy should be left with a trusted family member or friend; the other must be kept in your hand luggage. This way you have a copy if it is lost or stolen. Don’t act like a tourist. Dress like the locals and act like the locals. Tourists are likely targets. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs. Ask your hotel concierge which neighborhoods are safe to walk at night and learn which ones are not. Lastly, always use your intuition. If your gut tells you something is wrong, listen to it!

I am providing this information not to make you paranoid, but to make you aware of the need to prepare for a safe and happy journey. Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are abroad.

Happy and safe travels!