Crime Prevention Tips for Tourists

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Police Department wants each tourist visiting Los Angeles to have a safe, crime free visit. Los Angeles invites tourists to enjoy all attractions the City has to offer. However, as in any major metropolitan city, there are basic crime prevention tips of which tourists should be aware. Therefore, the Los Angeles Police Department offers the following tourist crime prevention tips.

Cash: Do not carry large amounts of cash. When possible, carry cash substitutes such as traveler’s checks or credit cards. Keep a written record of your traveler’s checks and credit card numbers, and keep them in a safe place.

Luggage: Remove old luggage tags, as they draw attention to tourist. Never leave your luggage unattended. Placing a band, strap or tie around luggage, or a seal on the zipper, is an effective deterrent against theft. Never store cash, jewelry, medicine or other valuables in your luggage.

Hotel Tips: Never leave valuables in your hotel room. Hotel management encourages guests to use their safe-deposit box services, in the hotel vault; free of charge.

Sightseeing Crime Prevention: Make note of your passport number. This will facilitate getting a new passport with fewer problems, if it should be lost. Prior to your day of sightseeing, obtain directions at the hotel for those attractions you intend to visit.

Vehicle Tips: Never leave your vehicle with the engine running or keys in the ignition. Always lock your vehicle, close the windows, and take the keys with you. Remember that any expensive items left in plain view invite theft. Record the make, model, year, color and license number of your vehicle. Keep this information in a safe place.

Tourists can take precautionary actions to help prevent crimes against themselves. This information is meant to contribute to the personal security of tourists while traveling in the City of Los Angeles. You can never be too careful.

There are many more strategies outlined in the LAPD’s "Tourist Crime Prevention Circular." For more information, or to obtain copies of Crime Prevention Circulars, contact the Community Liaison/Crime Prevention Unit at 213-485-3134.