Protect your valuables this holiday

 They become so caught up in the holiday mood that it is easy for them to let their guard down. As a result many holidaymakers end up with their passport, money and belongings stolen. It is important to be security conscious whenever you travel and wherever you travel.
First of all when packing decide what you really need to travel with. Make sure that items that are not going to be used are left at home. For example, if you are going on a fishing trip there is no need to carry expensive jewellery.
Keep your valuables as close to you as you can. When you book into a hotel, lock your valuables in the room safe, if there is one, or in one of the hotel’s safety deposit boxes.Remember to pack smart, so that at a glance you will notice if something is missing or out of order. Keep your suitcases and bags locked. If it is possible to keep them out of sight in your hotel room, do so.
If travelling by air, make sure luggage is clearly labelled and locked, preferabley with a combination lock.  Where possible keep valuables and expensive goods in your hand luggage. Make sure your hand luggage is stored where you can keep an eye on it.
If travelling by road, especially over long distances, ensure that the vehicle you are travelling in is in good order, as people are often robbed when their car has broken down. Make sure your tyres are not worn out and that you have a good spare wheel, wheel spanner and jack with you.
Know where you are going and how to get there and back. Use a map or download a GPS map onto your laptop or mobile phone in countries that support this facility.
Holidaymakers going on a boat cruise or camping or hiking trip could consider carrying with them portable alarm systems that can be used to alert them of a perimeter breach. Motion sensors can, for instance, be discreetly placed on the boat deck or around a campsite to warn when an intruder is approaching.
Observe strictly the following precautions;
-Never leave your baggage unattended. Keep it with you and close to you at all times.
– Make sure your cellphone, money and other valuables are out of sight.
– Keep a tight grip on your purse or handbag.
-Never put money or your wallet in a back pocket.
– Keep your passport concealed on your person in a place where it is difficult to access.
– Try to conceal your money and valuables within your handbag so they are not easily accessible if anyone gets hold of the handbag.
The best security advice when you are in a foreign country or at a tourist resort is the same as when you are at home. Be security conscious and alert at all times. There are plenty of people waiting for an opportunity to relieve you of your money or valuables. Don’t give them that opportunity. Remember security matters.
– This column is sponsored by Safeguard Security in the public interest. If you have security issues you would like advice on in this column, please e-mail your request to mail@mhpr.co.zw or telephone Jackie at Safeguard Security, Tel. 751395 9.