112th Precinct Community Council

May 04 Letter from Captain John Philbin Commanding Officer

May 23, 2004

Dear Friends,
Welcome to another issue of the 112th Precinct Community Council Newsletter. With summer vacation just around the corner, I would like to remind you about keeping you and your family safe. While on vacation, you don't want to think about being a victim of crime. Here are a few things that will help make your trip a safer one:
When traveling with children, make sure they know how to use the phone to get help in case of an emergency. Teach them how to dial 9-1-1 and the operator.
Keep your room key hidden from sight, and avoid taking your key out in restaurants and in other public places where it can be seen and stolen. Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Do not hang a sign on your hotel-room door requesting cleaning, because that advertises that the room is empty. Put your wallet in your front pants pocket. Be aware of your surroundings, since criminals prey on inattentive travelers, and often work in pairs. Avoid ATMs that are not well-lit and secure. High-risk areas for theft include airports, train stations, busy streets or wherever there is a concentration of people and activity.
Pack as lightly as you can, since heavy luggage will slow you down and make you more vulnerable to pickpockets and thieves. Remember that thieves seem to target expensive, designer luggage more than less conspicuous lower priced kinds. Do not keep your money in your suitcase. Keep it with you at all times, divided between the adults on your trip. You can also store valuables in the hotel safe.
Keep your long distance telephone card number secure, as you would any credit card. Dial so that an observer will not overhear or observe your card number. When using your credit card, be sure to get a receipt, and in the event there is a piece of carbon paper, tear that up personally or put it in your purse for later disposal.
Don't leave a wallet, camera, radio or any other valuable on the beach unattended. Don't leave surfboards, skateboards, windsurfers, etc., on your vehicle unsecured. Protect yourself from the sun. If you are traveling in a hot or dry climate pack plenty of sunscreen. Try to avoid the midday sun, wear light and loose-fitting clothes, a hat, and drink plenty of liquids. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be very dangerous.
Ask neighbors you trust to watch your home while you're on vacation; have them park their car in your driveway while you're gone, and use your trashcans to give your home an inhabited look. Make sure someone will pick-up your mail and newspapers while you're away, and arrange to have someone water your yard and plants, as well as mow your lawn if you intend to be away for more than a couple of weeks. Be sure to use automatic timers to turn lights and your radio on at appropriate times. Be certain someone has an emergency number to reach you if necessary.

Remember to join us on Tuesday, August 3rd, for National Night Out Against Crime. Call my Community Affairs Office at (718) 520-9321 for the details on this fun and informative family event.
John F. Philbin
Commanding Officer
112th Precinct