Summer is the main travel season of the year. Many people are drawn to faraway places. Thieves and fraudsters take advantage of this to rob holidaymakers of their money and other valuables - for example via fake sales portals, burglaries or thefts.
The Steinfurt District Police Department's Crime Prevention/Victim Protection Department provides tips on how you can protect yourself from criminals when planning your vacation and at your destination.
Supposed bargains on air travel
Caution is advised when preparing for your vacation: Fraudsters offer products on fake sales platforms, so-called fake stores, for advance payment that do not actually exist. This can also include air travel. Be particularly careful with supposed bargains. It is important to check the seller carefully, for example by researching via search engines or the portals of consumer advice centers. Important: Never pay in advance. Instead, use secure payment methods, such as by invoice.
Do not publicize your absence
Make sure that your home does not give the impression of being unoccupied while you are away. Ask neighbors, relatives or friends to empty the letterbox regularly. Do not leave any information about your absence on your answering machine or social networks.
Important documents and emergency barring call
Before you leave, make copies of the most important identification documents (passport, driving license, vaccination card), your payment cards and tickets and keep them in a separate place in your luggage. Make a note of the blocking emergency number 116 116 or save it in your cell phone so that you can have your payment card blocked immediately in the event of theft.
Always lock vehicles at your vacation destination
When you are on the road, always lock your car, caravan or two-wheeler, even if you are only away for a short time. If you are approached by strangers: Be vigilant, as criminals sometimes try to lure holidaymakers away from their vehicle under false pretenses.
Store valuables well
Pocket thieves take advantage of crowds. Therefore, keep an eye on your valuables, especially at train and bus stations and airports. It is best to carry your means of payment, IDs and tickets in various closed inside pockets of your clothing as close to your body as possible and also keep an eye on your luggage. The same applies to your stay at your vacation destination, especially where there are a lot of people.
On arrival at your vacation destination, it is best to leave your valuables in a safe or with the hotel or campsite management for safekeeping. Only carry as much cash and payment cards with you as you need.
Flyer with tips - also available to download
You can find more information on how you can protect yourself from fraudsters, thieves and thieves on your vacation in the leaflet "Security around your vacation".
The leaflet is available from our crime prevention advice center in the Rheine police station, Hansaallee 10 or as a free download: www.polizei-beratung.de/medienangebot/detail/24-sicherheit-rund-um-ihren-urlaub/