Vacation Safety

Before You Leave


  • Fill out a request for a Property Check/Extra Patrol by the Draper City Police.
  • 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.