Crime Prevention Personal Safety

Safety While Traveling

BEFORE TAKING A TRIP

Use a reputable travel agency.
Learn as much as you can about your destination.
Select the safest routes using current maps and travel information.
If traveling to another country, check with the Government of Canada Department of Foreign Affairs. They can inform you of any travel advisories regarding security problems or health conditions in that country.
Pack wisely. Being overburdened with luggage makes you more of a target.
Avoid packing valuables or items you cannot afford to replace or have stolen.
Never put personal information on luggage tags (use business instead of home phone number).
Never leave luggage unattended.
Lock all luggage.
Dress wisely (avoid looking like a tourist or appearing wealthy).
Leave a complete travel schedule with a trusted family member or friend (where and when you will be at a location and how you can be reached)

HOTEL AND MOTEL SAFETY

Choose reputable establishments (recommended by travel agency or auto club, etc.).
Do a complete security check of the room with hotel staff present.
Ensure there is a peep hole in the door and that the dead bolt and other locks are in good working order.
Keep the doors locked when in the room (purchase a travel door lock for added security).
Never open your door to anyone you do not know (if the person states they work for the hotel, call the front desk and confirm this before allowing them entry).
Keep valuables locked in the hotel safe and get a receipt.

RENTAL CARS AND TAXIS

Use reputable car rental and licensed taxi companies, if possible.
Record the name and license number of the cab and driver.
Know the route you want to take and instruct the driver.
Choose a rental car company that does not advertise or identify its vehicles as rentals.
Keep car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times.
Keep valuables out of sight and locked in the trunk.
Keep purses on the floor under the seat

If you need more information or have any questions about Personal Safety While Traveling, please contact the Winnipeg Police Service Community Relations Unit at 204-986-6322 or email us.

If you would like a Police Officer to provide a Power Point Presentation on this topic you can forward your request via one of three ways:

email your request to wps-communityrelations@winnipeg.ca
fax your request to 204-957-2450
mail your request to:
Unit Commander
Community Relations Unit
P.O Box 1680
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada R3C 2Z7

Due to demand, we request you contact us at least six weeks prior to the event. Most presentations are one hour in duration and handouts are provided. The presentation is free of charge - room to be supplied by the organization requesting the presentation, with a minimum of 20 attendees.