NCPC Offers Spring Break Safety Advice

For More Information:
Michelle Boykins, 202-261-4184
Anbiya Gul Awan, 202-261-4123

Arlington, VA – The National Crime Prevention Council offers these safety tips to help keep the spring in students’ steps for a safe and fun spring break experience.

Think Before You Go
•    Plan your trip.  Make sure someone at home knows where you are going and how they can contact you.
•    Travel with friends.  There is safety in numbers.
•    Always lock your car doors.  Keep valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk of your car. 
•    Never pick up hitchhikers.
•    Park in well-lighted areas and close to the building.

Checking In
•    Use all hotel locks and other security devices, even when you’re in your room.
•    Store valuables in the room safe or in the facility’s main safe.
•    Don’t tell strangers the name of your hotel, your room number, or other personal information.
•    Guard your room keys.  Don’t leave them unattended or visible at restaurants, the pool, or clubs. 
•    Don’t open your door to strangers.  Use the peep hole before opening the door.

Out On the Town
•    Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Take only the cash you need in your purse or wallet.
•    Limit the number of credit cards you carry.  Bring only the necessary credit card(s) with you.
•    Women should keep purses closed and snuggled tightly against the body.
•    Men should keep wallets in a front pants pocket or coat pocket.
•    Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets.
•    If you feel threatened, get away and call for help, or try to go to a crowded place. 
•    Always let someone know where you are going, who you are with, and when you will return.
•    Avoid going off with strangers, and always use the buddy system.
•    Avoid using alcohol and other drugs.  Impaired judgment can put you in potentially dangerous situations.

About the National Crime Prevention Council
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) is a private, nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to be the nation’s leader in helping people keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime. NCPC manages public service advertising under the National Citizens’ Crime Prevention Campaign—symbolized by McGruff the Crime Dog® and his “Take A Bite Out Of Crime®” slogan—and acts as secretariat for the Crime Prevention Coalition of America, more than 300 national, federal, state, and local organizations representing thousands of constituents who are committed to preventing crime. NCPC is funded through a variety of government agencies, corporate and private foundations, and donations from private individuals.  For more information on crime prevention issues, visit www.ncpc.org.