When you make plans for your family's dream holiday in Rehoboth Beach, we would like to remind you to use the same crime prevention practices and common sense you would use at home. Quite simply, criminals are opportunists. Take away the opportunity for a crime to occur and a would be thief will look elsewhere to commit a crime. We offer you these basic crime prevention tips to ensure you and your family have a safe and enjoyable holiday, no matter where your travels might take you. Keep them in mind and use them wherever you go! Have a great holiday and enjoy your stay in Rehoboth Beach.
THE REHOBOTH BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT
Common sense... don't leave home without it!
Leave your itinerary and emergency contact numbers with your family or friends at home... It's always a good idea to tell your loved ones and trusted friends where you are going and, whenever possible, where you can be reached while you are traveling.
Keep track of your valuables... Your passport, airline ticket vouchers, funds and other personal property such as cameras, jewelry are sought after commodities. Whenever possible it is always best to leave them in a hotel safe or other secure location when you aren't using them.
Stay alert and trust your instincts... If you see suspicious people loitering near your hotel room or automobile for no apparent reason, do not approach or confront them. Report any suspicious incidents or activity to the hotel, a police officer, security officer, or hotel staff member immediately.
Be observant of your surroundings... Always try to park your car in busy, well-lit areas. Try to travel in groups whenever you go out on an excursion or to visit an area attraction.
Be wary of strangers... Never pick up a hitchhiker under any circumstances! Don't allow strangers to distract you or to assist you carrying baggage to your room or car. Hotels and airports have people on their staff to do that for you.
While you are driving... Always lock your car doors and keep your valuables out of plain sight. Lock anything of value in your trunk whenever you are out of your car. Be aware of where you are driving and avoid areas that you don't feel comfortable being in. If you have to ask for directions go to a busy gas station or store.
While you are in your hotel room... Remember... thieves are opportunists! They look for open doors and windows. Always close and lock your doors, even if you're just going down the hall to pick up some ice or a beverage. If someone knocks at your door, know exactly who it is and why they are there before you open it. In some cases thieves will pose as a member of the hotel staff when they knock on your door. If you didn't ask for room service, extra blankets, etc., call the front desk to confirm why the hotel employee is at your door. Locate all fire exits, elevators, and the nearest phone immediately after checking into your room.
Protecting your children... Unless a person is a uniformed law enforcement officer, instruct your children never to talk to strangers. Make sure they know the name and address of the hotel they are staying in. Teach them how to call 9-1-1 if they become lost or separated from their group. (Remember... you do not need coins to call 9-1-1 from a payphone.)
If you are confronted by an assailant... DO NOT RESIST! Follow his instructions and do exactly what you are told to do. REMAIN CALM! Try to take good mental notes (description, vehicle used, type of weapon, etc.) to pass on to the police. CALL 9-1-1 WHEN IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.
Holiday Personal Safety & Security Tips
When you travel, know where you are going and how to get there and back. Check for construction detours; for long trips, get a weather forecast.
If traveling out-of-state, most state law enforcement agencies provide road-and-highway information; check to see what conditions they report before leaving.
Travel and conduct your business during daylight hours if possible.
If you have access to a cellular telephone, carry or take it. If possible, know the emergency cell codes for the area you're in.
When driving, keep doors locked and windows rolled up. Maintain at least a tank of fuel, and keep vehicle in good repair.
If you experience a breakdown, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible and turn your emergency flashers on. If you have a cellular phone, summon assistance from a reputable source or call for law enforcement response. Otherwise, raise your hood or tie a streamer to your antenna, and await assistance inside your locked vehicle. If a stranger stops, speak to them through a partially rolled-down window, and ask them to go to a phone and call police or a tow service; do not exit your vehicle until a law enforcement officer or tow operator are on scene. On longer trips, be sure you have water, food, and blankets in the vehicle.
If involved in a property-damage collision in an unfamiliar or potentially unsafe location, do not open or exit your vehicle. If you have a cellular telephone, summon law enforcement. If not, acknowledge the accident by hand signal, and motion the other driver to proceed with you to a safe location to exchange information. If unable to proceed honk the horn to attract attention and ask a passer-by to summon police.
If signaled to stop by any vehicle other than a clearly marked law enforcement unit, acknowledge the signal, and wave the driver to follow you to a safe location. Drive within the speed limit and take the shortest possible route to the nearest safe place. If you have a cellular phone, dial 9-1-1, tell the call-taker you are being followed by an unmarked vehicle attempting to stop you, and ask them to send a marked law enforcement vehicle to your location.
When parking, lock the vehicle, take the keys, and conceal valuables, preferably in the trunk. During hours of darkness, park and walk in lighted areas to the extent possible.
When returning to your vehicle, carry your keys in your hand and be ready to unlock the door and enter as quickly as possible. As you approach your vehicle, scan the area, glance underneath the vehicle, and take a quick look inside before entering.
While out and about, present an alert appearance. Be aware of your surroundings; scan the area from time to time. Avoid concentrating so hard on shopping that you fail to keep track of your surroundings, others near you, or your personal property. Wear conservative, comfortable clothing. Grip carried items firmly and avoid leaving them unattended. Carry minimal cash and valuables, wear minimal jewelry.
Using debit or credit cards is much safer than carrying a lot of cash. If the vendors you will visit don't take cards, consider obtaining traveler's checks which, unlike cash, can be replaced if lost or stolen. Visit ATM's only at well-lighted and populated locations; visit during daylight hours if possible. Using the drive-up is usually safer than walking up or into a facility. Remember to scan around you as you make your withdrawal. If anyone is loitering, or you don't like their looks, go to another ATM. Stand such that those behind you cannot see your PIN as you enter it; your PIN should NEVER be weritten down on or carried with your ATM card.
As you shop, return to your vehicle from time to time to check it and reduce the amount of material you are carrying and must keep track of. Remember to store your packages in the trunk, or if your vehicle doesn't have one, out of plain view.
Be observant. Avoid dark areas, short-cuts, cul-de-sacs, and suspicious persons. Stay near light and people. If apprehensive about any location for any reason, leave. Consider carrying a whistle. Weapons are not recommended, and may be unlawful.
If followed:
On Foot: (1) Cross the street, (2) Vary your pace, (3) Change direction, (4) Turn the wrong way down a one-way street.
By Vehicle: (1) Execute several right turns to verify, (2) Get and stay on arterial streets, (3) Note and record the license plate number, and a description of the vehicle and occupants.
Promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, and crimes to the local law enforcement agency.
Last Updated: November 10, 2006
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