City of Lincoln Police Department Business Travel

Business travel can be stressful. Why make it more so by setting yourself up as a target for crooks? Here's what you can do--at the airport, on the road and at your hotel or motel--to improve the chances you'll return home safely.

At the Airport

• Stay especially alert and watch your bags and computer carefully at all times. Don't let anyone but uniformed airline personnel handle or watch your bags.
• Watch out for staged mishaps, like someone bumping into you or spilling a drink. Often it's a ploy to divert your attention.
• Carry your purse close to your body, or your wallet in an inside front pocket. Better yet, wear a money pouch under your clothes.
• Keep car doors locked while you are driving. Store luggage in the trunk.
• Park in well-lighted areas only, close to building entrances and walkways.
• Have car key ready when approaching your car. Check the back seat and floors before you get in.
• If you are bumped by another car, think before you get out. If you are in doubt or uncomfortable, signal the other driver to follow you to a nearby police station or a busy, well-lighted area where it's safe to get out.

At the Hotel

• Never leave luggage unattended.
• Keep all hotel doors and windows locked, and use all door locks.
• Insist that hotel personnel give your assigned room number so others can't hear it.
• Learn the locations of fire exits, elevators, and public phones in case of emergency.
• Make sure your room has an indoor viewer and a dead bolt lock.
• Keep valuables--Jewelry, cash, etc.--in the hotel safe. Better still, leave them home.
• Ask hotel staff about the safety of the neighborhood and what areas to avoid.
• Before taking a cab, ask the staff about directions and estimated costs.
• Always verify who's at your door. Don't open the door to someone you don't know. If an unexpected visitor claims to be a hotel employee, call the front desk to make sure.
• Don't display room keys in public or leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or in other places where they can easily be stolen.

Sure, crime can be random. But at the same time, there's a lot you can do to limit your chances of becoming a victim. Often, simply being aware of the threat of crime-- and alert to what you can do to provent it--will go a long way to making your business trip both safe and successful.

Important Numbers When Traveling Overseas

• The U.S. Department of Transportation has a Travel Advisory and Airport Safety Hotline (800-221-0673) that advises international travelers of potentially dangerous airports and countries.
• The U.S. Department of State operates a Citizens' Emergencey Center (202-647- 0900) that offers assistance in emergency situations to travelers abroad, as well as travel advisories and alert for various countries.

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