Vacationers can reduce the chances of being victimized by crime

Planning a family vacation? Whether your destination is Disney World, Denver or Denmark, there are certain things to keep in mind to make the trip fun and enjoyable for everyone. But just as important to the success of your trip will be the steps you take to make it a safe one.

Before you leave

Preventing crime during family travel starts with making sure your home is protected while you're away. The key is to make it look like you never left.

+Keep shades and blinds in their normal position.

+Don't stop mail and newspapers. Ask a neighbor to pick them up every day.

+Put timers on several household lights so they turn on and off at appropriate hours.

+Arrange to have grass mowed while you're gone.

+Make sure all the door and window locks are in working order and use them. Activate the home alarm if you have one.

You might even leave a radio on or put it on a timer. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway overnight-anything that might suggest someone's home. Don't forget to lock all doors and windows when you leave.

Packing for prevention

Planning can decrease the chances of crime joining you on your journey. Some tips on how to pack:

+Clean out your wallet or purse before you go. Take only essential credit cards. Plan to use credit cards or traveler's checks instead of cash whenever possible.

+Carry your purse close to your body, or your wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, take a "fanny pack" or wear a money pouch under your clothes.

+Pack as lightly as possible. Lots of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow you down and make you more vulnerable to getting robbed.

+Expensive designer luggage can draw unneeded attention to your belongings. Pack your things in inconspicuous bags.

+Keep a separate record of the contents of checked luggage. Keep anything of value, such as medicine or jewelry, in a carryon that stays with you.

+If you are going on an extended vacation, consider shipping large bags to your destination in advance. For the return trip, mail bulky new purchases home, or ask merchants to do it for you.

Out and about

Your home is secured and you're packed. Now it's time to focus on you. While traveling, it's important to remember that tourists make tempting targets for thieves. Often lost or distracted, weighed down with bags and carrying cameras, tickets and money, unsuspecting travelers attract crime like magnets.

The best advice is to do all you can to blend in with the crowd.

+Don't display expensive jewelry, cameras, bags and other items that might draw attention.

+Check maps before you go out so you can tour confidently.

+Stick to well-lighted, welltraveled streets at all times-no shortcuts.

+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 advertise that you're a tourist by leaving maps and guidebooks on the seat or dashboard-keep them in the glove compartment.

Traveling safely also means sticking together and keeping an eye on your children at all times. Make sure they know where you are staying (name and address) and teach them what to do if they get lost or separated. You might want to agree on a meeting place, just in case. It's extremely important to make sure your children know not to accept rides or favors from strangers.

Make your family vacation a memorable one for all the right reasons.

For more information, call Dep. Shawn Brownell at (818) 8785506.

This article was provided by Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in L.A. County.