Install good locks on all doors and windows, and USE THEM!
Keep shades and blinds in their normal positions.
Put a couple of household lights on timers so they turn on and off at appropriate times.
Turn the volume on your home telephone to the lowest setting.
Never leave your house key hidden outside.
Arrange for a trusted relative, neighbor, or friend to maintain the exterior of your home (i.e. mowing the lawn or shoveling the snow) and pick up your newspapers and mail.
Activate your home alarm (if you have one).
Leave your trip plans and an emergency phone number with a trusted relative, neighbor, or friend. Have them conduct periodic checks of your home while you're away.
Ask your neighbors not to inform inquiring strangers that you are away.
Contact your local law enforcement agency. Some jurisdictions provide vacation checks of homes.
Packing Your Bags
Take only essential credit cards and traveler's checks whenever possible.
Expensive luggage can draw unneeded attention. Pack your belongings in inconspicuous bags.
Pack light. This makes you more mobile and minimizes your losses if your belongings are misplaced or stolen.
Keep anything of value, such as medicine or jewelry, in a carry-on that stays with you.
Put your name, work address, and destination in your luggage, then lock it. This is proof of ownership if the tags are stripped.
Never leave your wallet, purse, or luggage unattended.
Out and About
Check maps before you go out and ask the front desk personnel or concierge which areas to avoid.
Stick to well-lighted, well traveled streets at all times.
Select tour guides carefully.
Don't display room keys in public or give your room number out.
Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, and other items that might draw attention.
Never carry large amounts of cash; use credit cards or traveler's checks.
Always roll up your windows and lock your car when it's parked, even if it's for a short time. Keep valuables and packages locked in the trunk.
Try to remain in a group or in pairs.
Don't advertise that you are a tourist by displaying maps and guidebooks where they can be easily seen.
Hotel/Motel Security
When in your room, use all the locks.
Don't answer the door without verifying who is there.
When returning late at night, use the main entrance.
Don't invite strangers into your room.
Never leave your children unattended, even for a short period of time.
Familiarize yourself and family members with the emergency exits and other safety procedures.
Place valuables in a hotel/motel safe deposit box, not in your room or vehicle.
Suitcases should always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out of your room.
Never leave identification, money, checks, credit cards, or keys in your room.
Immediately report any crime or suspicious activity or persons to the management and/or local law enforcement.