ACSQuito@state.gov - Thu 12/6/2018, 9:16 AM
HOLIDAY SEASON SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVISORY
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that holiday celebrations in Ecuador are already underway and continue through the end of the year. During this time, you should remain particularly vigilant due to a seasonal surge in crime.
Below are some tips to be safe and to help you reduce your vulnerability during this holiday season:
In your home:
• Beware of strangers posing as representatives of charitable organizations, police officers, or other solicitors. They may be casing your house.
• Never automatically open the door or gate of your home. Always verify the identity of visitors through an optical viewer, intercom, or a window from which you cannot be observed. If you know the person, ensure that no strangers might be forcing them to have the door opened.
• Be aware of persons loitering on your street or in your neighborhood. They may be criminals conducting surveillance. Call the police if you're suspicious of a loiterer.
• Make a habit of keeping doors double locked (dead bolted) even when you are in the house.
• If you have one, get in the habit of setting your alarm, even when you are at home.
• Don't place holiday gifts where they can be seen from outside the home.
If you are going to be away for the holidays:
• Strictly limit the number of people who know of your intention to leave your residence vacant overnight. Be careful of disclosing travel plans to domestic employees.
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your house occasionally, making sure your house keeps a "somebody's at home" look.
In your car:
• Drive defensively. The number of drunk drivers greatly increases during the holidays.
• Always drive with your windows up and doors locked, especially in city traffic.
• Wear your seat belt and ensure small children are secured in size-appropriate safety seats properly mounted in the rear seat of your vehicle.
• Carry your cell phone with you whenever you are traveling by car, no matter how short the journey. In the event of an accident, your cell phone is your lifeline to emergency medical assistance and security support.
• Don't leave valuables in your vehicle – in the seat or in the trunk. Return home to drop off your purchases rather than leave them in the car.
• Be careful returning home from shopping. A vehicle full of gifts is a target for a follow-home robbery.
• When in crawling or stopped traffic, leave at least a half car length between you and the car ahead to allow space to exit rapidly, if necessary.
Attending/hosting holiday parties:
• Do not drink and drive.
• If you are hosting a party, arrange alternate transportation for intoxicated guests.
• If you are attending a party, know your safe drink limit. If you exceed it, call a radio taxi or ask someone to drive you home.
• Do not hail a taxi on the street.
While shopping:
• Remember exactly where you parked your car. Make a mental note or write it down if necessary. Wandering around a parking garage or parking lot is an invitation for trouble.
• When shopping, carry only as many bags as you can comfortably control. Ensure that nothing can be easily snatched from your grasp. Do not bring bags to your car in order to make a second trip for shopping.
• Your wallet, keys, and cell phone should be in a secure location, and you should be especially wary of pickpockets. Have your keys out and ready as you approach your vehicle. Someone fumbling for keys with an armload of packages is a prime target for a mugging or carjacking.
• Be alert to your surroundings. If someone is watching you too closely, is following you, or is loitering near your vehicle, return to the store or contact the police and request help. Criminals often work in teams in order to divert a victim’s attention. Be wary of anyone who attempts to draw your attention away from your belongings and surroundings.
• If you're paying cash for your purchases, don't show any more cash than is necessary. Split up your money into different pockets.
• Keep just the credit cards you routinely use in your wallet. Keep any unused cards out of your wallet and in a safe place.
Happy Holidays!!
Contact information:
U.S. Embassy Quito
Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro.
Phone (593-2) 398-5000
ACSQuito@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil
Avenida Jose Rodriguez Bonin and Calle Santa Ana, San Eduardo
Phone (593-4) 371-7000
ACSGuayaquil@state.gov
HOLIDAY SEASON SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVISORY
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that holiday celebrations in Ecuador are already underway and continue through the end of the year. During this time, you should remain particularly vigilant due to a seasonal surge in crime.
Additionally, the threat of street
crime (e.g., purse snatchings, pickpockets) is high in areas where there
are large crowds. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a
high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take appropriate
steps to bolster their personal security during the holiday season.
Below are some tips to be safe and to help you reduce your vulnerability during this holiday season:
In your home:
• Beware of strangers posing as representatives of charitable organizations, police officers, or other solicitors. They may be casing your house.
• Never automatically open the door or gate of your home. Always verify the identity of visitors through an optical viewer, intercom, or a window from which you cannot be observed. If you know the person, ensure that no strangers might be forcing them to have the door opened.
• Be aware of persons loitering on your street or in your neighborhood. They may be criminals conducting surveillance. Call the police if you're suspicious of a loiterer.
• Make a habit of keeping doors double locked (dead bolted) even when you are in the house.
• If you have one, get in the habit of setting your alarm, even when you are at home.
• Don't place holiday gifts where they can be seen from outside the home.
If you are going to be away for the holidays:
• Strictly limit the number of people who know of your intention to leave your residence vacant overnight. Be careful of disclosing travel plans to domestic employees.
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your house occasionally, making sure your house keeps a "somebody's at home" look.
In your car:
• Drive defensively. The number of drunk drivers greatly increases during the holidays.
• Always drive with your windows up and doors locked, especially in city traffic.
• Wear your seat belt and ensure small children are secured in size-appropriate safety seats properly mounted in the rear seat of your vehicle.
• Carry your cell phone with you whenever you are traveling by car, no matter how short the journey. In the event of an accident, your cell phone is your lifeline to emergency medical assistance and security support.
• Don't leave valuables in your vehicle – in the seat or in the trunk. Return home to drop off your purchases rather than leave them in the car.
• Be careful returning home from shopping. A vehicle full of gifts is a target for a follow-home robbery.
• When in crawling or stopped traffic, leave at least a half car length between you and the car ahead to allow space to exit rapidly, if necessary.
Attending/hosting holiday parties:
• Do not drink and drive.
• If you are hosting a party, arrange alternate transportation for intoxicated guests.
• If you are attending a party, know your safe drink limit. If you exceed it, call a radio taxi or ask someone to drive you home.
• Do not hail a taxi on the street.
While shopping:
• Remember exactly where you parked your car. Make a mental note or write it down if necessary. Wandering around a parking garage or parking lot is an invitation for trouble.
• When shopping, carry only as many bags as you can comfortably control. Ensure that nothing can be easily snatched from your grasp. Do not bring bags to your car in order to make a second trip for shopping.
• Your wallet, keys, and cell phone should be in a secure location, and you should be especially wary of pickpockets. Have your keys out and ready as you approach your vehicle. Someone fumbling for keys with an armload of packages is a prime target for a mugging or carjacking.
• Be alert to your surroundings. If someone is watching you too closely, is following you, or is loitering near your vehicle, return to the store or contact the police and request help. Criminals often work in teams in order to divert a victim’s attention. Be wary of anyone who attempts to draw your attention away from your belongings and surroundings.
• If you're paying cash for your purchases, don't show any more cash than is necessary. Split up your money into different pockets.
• Keep just the credit cards you routinely use in your wallet. Keep any unused cards out of your wallet and in a safe place.
Happy Holidays!!
Contact information:
U.S. Embassy Quito
Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro.
Phone (593-2) 398-5000
ACSQuito@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil
Avenida Jose Rodriguez Bonin and Calle Santa Ana, San Eduardo
Phone (593-4) 371-7000
ACSGuayaquil@state.gov
For additional information, please visit our website: https://ec.usembassy.gov/u-s-
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