City of Upper Arlington, Ohio

• Make sure your home looks lived in, not empty. Stop mail and cancel all deliveries or ask a neighbor to make daily collections. Hide empty garbage cans. Leave shades and blinds in normal positions. Put an automatic timer on at least two lights.
• Leave a key with a trusted neighbor.
• Store valuables in a safe deposit box.
• Tell a trusted neighbor your departure and return dates. Supply an itinerary with phone numbers where you can be reached in an emergency.
• Stop into the Police Division's administrative offices at 3600 Tremont Road, to provide details about your travels and who should (or should not) be in your home while you are on vacation.
• Lock all windows and doors. 
• Test your smoke and burglar alarms.

On the Road

• Carry little cash. Use traveler's checks and credit cards. Keep a record of their number in a separate and safe place in case they are lost or stolen.
• Keep a careful eye on your plane, train, boat or bus tickets.
• If driving, plan your route carefully. Have your car serviced and tired checked before leaving.
• Don't advertise your plans to strangers
• Always lock your car when it's parked. Keep valuables out of sight.
• Don't advertise that you are a tourist.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Do not stop to offer help to a stranded motorist. Go to the nearest phone booth and report the problem to the police or sheriff's office.
• If you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and take them inside.
• Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.

Motels and Hotels

• Use all locks when occupying or leaving your room.
• Know who's knocking before you open the door.
• Keep extra cash and valuables locked in the hotel safe deposit box, not in the room.
• Locate fire exits, elevators, and public phones. Plan the best way to get out of the building in an emergency.
• Leave the television on when leaving your room to make it appear occupied.