Prepare for hotel and travel safety before you leave

By Marci Becking

BAAWAATING – Anishinabek Police Service Sergeant Chantal Larocque gave a keynote to some 160 participants on safety while travelling at the 11th annual Anishinabek Nation Health Conference on Oct. 22, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

Sgt. Larocque says it’s good to improvise and be a bit deceptive to stay safe, like if you’re walking in a bit of a sketchy area and feel unsafe, call out to someone as if you know friends across the street.

“BS creates an illusion of confidence. If you have to fib about something, like calling out to someone on the street, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ or pretending to say, ‘I’ll get a coffee and be right back’ if you see someone in your hotel room hallway as you are leaving,” explained Sgt. Larocque.

She also said to be aware of where you are parking; be aware of your surroundings and park where you feel safe.

“There are a lot of sketchy parking lots when you are parking at a hotel. Park where you feel safe. You’re not going to get a parking ticket in a parking lot – I don’t mean for you to park in a handicapped space – but park closer to the doors, lights, in motorcycle spots. If there is an option for paid parking lot, it is worth parking in those lots because they often have cameras.”

Sgt. Larocque says that if someone knocks on your door claiming to be hotel staff, ask why they are there and if you are not sure, and it’s not an emergency, call down to the front desk and inquire.

“Statistically, the best floors to stay on are floors 3-6, floor 3 because it’s hard for people from the ground to access, and beyond floor 6, it’s harder for the fire truck ladders to access. Use your ‘Do not disturb’ sign,” said Sgt. Larocque. “I don’t want to make people afraid or paranoid, but check for hidden cameras; they are pretty obvious in smoke detectors, lamps, washrooms – just take a glance, it doesn’t hurt. Think like a criminal. Where would you put a camera if you were going to spy on someone?”

She also spoke to the group about peepholes.

“They actually do sell reverse peepholes – these can be put over a peephole to look inside the room. If you are in a room where you can see the bed through the peephole, maybe put tape over the peephole. Always use the deadbolt or latch. Even though a door can be broken down, the latch will buy you time. Use all the force necessary to get out of there alive.”

She noted that the best thing you can do before travelling is to be prepared and mindful of what you are saying online before you leave.

“Don’t announce that you’re going on a trip on social media. It will tell people there is no one home. Maybe post photos on your way back or when you return. People take advantage when homeowners are not there. It is also good to get cameras for your house,” explained Sgt. Larocque. “Be prepared for road trips, bring blankets, safety kit, water, full tank of gas, winter tires – if you are renting a vehicle, ask about winter tires. If you break down and you don’t have a cell phone or service – put a sign in your window that says, ‘Call police’.”