Vacationers relax, and thieves take advantage
According to police officers and security specialists, in summer people are more likely to think that leaving belongings unattended for a short time is safe, but it is precisely such opportunities that pickpockets look for.
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“This summer the weather has not been very pleasing so far, but official statistics show that in June more thefts have been recorded at the seaside than in May. We notice that a significant number of thefts occur due to people being too relaxed – during holidays they pay less attention to protecting their property, and thieves take full advantage of this,” says Žydrūnas Bukauskas, head of the security department at GRIFS AG.
Police officers from Klaipėda County also urge not to lose vigilance. According to them, even items left unattended for a short time become easy prey for criminals.
Bicycle thefts – in just a few minutes
One of the most common summer season thefts is the theft of bicycles and electric scooters near shopping centers, beaches, or other public places.
“We see a recurring scenario. A person locks their bicycle at a bike rack near a shopping center, thinking that 10–15 minutes of shopping is completely safe. But thieves only need that much time – they quickly cut the lock and leave with the bicycle. Such cases happen repeatedly,” says a representative of the security company.
Police data show the same trend – the usual targets of pickpockets are unlocked, unattended, or very expensive bicycles.
“We recommend parking bicycles in well-visible places and always locking them with a quality lock. Even better if the bike parking area is monitored by video cameras or the bicycle is kept in a locked room inaccessible to outsiders,” remind officers of the Klaipėda County Chief Police Commissariat.
Thieves are not afraid of parking lots either
“We remember a case when vacationers left their car in a hotel parking lot and had attached several bicycles to the car. It seemed that the place was secluded and safe, but when people returned, the bicycles were gone,” recalls Ž. Bukauskas.
Police representatives agree, reminding that car doors must be locked even for a short stop, and windows fully closed. Also, valuable items should not be left in the car, neither in the cabin nor in the trunk, especially if they are placed there after arriving at the parking lot.
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“At night, it is recommended to park cars in well-lit, video-monitored, or guarded lots and to activate the alarm,” comment officers of the Klaipėda County Chief Police Commissariat.
Unattended belongings on the beach – easy prey
Theft at beaches also increases in summer. Officers urge not to bring cash, expensive jewelry, or other valuables to the beach.
“It is better to keep handbags, mobile phones, and other valuables close to you, hidden from strangers’ eyes. Even for a short time when going swimming, they should not be left unattended,” remind police representatives.
They also remind not to keep payment cards together with their PIN codes or online banking login details, as in such cases it becomes very easy for criminals to steal money.
It is important to take care of home security while on vacation
Specialists remind that in summer pickpockets target not only vacationers’ belongings but also empty apartments and houses.
“Alarm systems, video cameras, automatic lighting, or the help of trusted neighbors can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. Also, one should not publicly announce on social networks that they are going on vacation, and when leaving home, doors must be locked with all locks, even if leaving for just a few minutes,” says a representative of the security company.
Police officers point out that those preparing for burglaries often observe selected residences in advance, so suspicious visits by strangers or unusual phone calls should be taken seriously. Officers also recommend not letting strangers in without verifying their identity and, when leaving for a longer time, asking trusted neighbors to look after the house and empty the mailbox.
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Memo for vacationers: 5 tips to help avoid theft
- Do not leave valuables unattended. Do not leave phones, wallets, handbags, or other valuables unattended even for a short time at the beach, café, or shopping center.
- Always lock your bicycle or scooter. Choose well-visible, video-monitored places and use a reliable lock.
- Do not leave valuables in the car. Take handbags, computers, wallets, or other valuables with you, and always lock the car and close the windows.
- Take care of home security when leaving. Lock doors and windows, activate the alarm, and when leaving for a longer time, ask trusted neighbors to watch the house.
- Be vigilant and report suspicious behavior. If you notice suspicious persons or attempts to steal someone else’s property, report it to the police immediately.
