Road safety:
Before you set off in your car, you should think about more than just your vacation luggage.
- Brakes, lights, oil, coolant, wiper fluid, tire pressure, tread depth, spare wheel or breakdown kit... is everything okay? Or is it high time for a check?
- Have a first-aid kit, warning triangle and high-visibility vests on board?
- When loading, make sure that the permissible total weight (including all passengers) is not exceeded. Overloading can dramatically change the braking distance and driving characteristics.
- It is essential to secure loads on the roof (surfboards, roof boxes, etc.) or at the rear (bicycles) properly.
- But everything must also be stowed safely in the vehicle. Loose objects on the trunk cover, for example, can otherwise fly through the car in a highly dangerous manner during a braking maneuver.
- All passengers must wear their seat belts. There is no alternative to a child seat for children under the age of 12!
- Pets are safest in a special transport box.
- Provide shade on the rear seat bench - with sun protection pads or roller blinds on the rear windows. However, the driver's unobstructed view must not be impaired.
- Start early, take enough to drink and allow yourself regular breaks.
- As parents, you could also provide a small entertainment program so that the little ones don't get too bored on the long journey.
- In traffic jams: form an emergency lane! The left lane swerves to the left, everyone else to the right. Small reminder: Look at the back of your right hand. Thumb (left lane) to the left, all other lanes to the right. The emergency lane is always between the left (thumb) and second lane from the left - and clears the way for emergency services on their way to the accident scene.
- When you pass an accident scene: Don't become the cause of the traffic jam and rubbernecker yourself. Always leave your cell phone in your pocket!
Burglary protection:
Unfortunately, the vacation season is burglary season. Our tips for your protection:
- When you go on holiday, make sure that burglars don't immediately recognize that you are not at home.
- Take precautions to ensure that your letterbox does not overflow. Ask friends or neighbors to empty the letterbox regularly. You can also take the opportunity to water the flowers and raise and lower the blinds.
- Do not leave any information about your absence on your answering machine or on social media.
- Good neighborliness is good burglary protection. Call 110 immediately if you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood.
- Close doors and windows. Windows left ajar are a real invitation to burglars.
It has been shown time and again that it pays to invest in security technology for doors and windows (bolts, additional locks, mushroom head fittings, etc.). If burglars are unable to get into the house within a few minutes, they often give up. This is because the risk of burglars being discovered increases with every further attempt to pry open a window.
The burglary protection experts at Recklinghausen police explain security technology, answer questions and give tips - free of charge. You can arrange an individual consultation by phone on: 02361/553344
Take care of your data!
No matter how much you enjoy your vacation - not everyone needs to know that you are not at home!
- Publicly posted pictures of the beach on Facebook & Co. could not only be of interest to real friends, but also to people who are up to no good: a burglary, for example.
- Consider carefully which pictures and information you share publicly. This applies in particular to photos of children. Always respect the "right to one's own image" of others.
Even on vacation: protect your data. With the "Make your password strong" campaign, the LKA NRW draws attention to the risks of careless internet use and shows how to better protect personal data online against misuse: https://www.mach-dein-passwort-stark.de/
Even on vacation: beware of pickpockets!
Pickpockets don't go on vacation. Therefore, always be careful, even when on vacation.
- Only take as much cash, payment cards or ID with you as necessary and always carry them on your person (e.g. in a lockable inner pocket of your clothing, in a breast pocket or in a belt pouch). The same applies to your cell phone and camera.
- Copy important documents (passport, credit card, etc.) before you travel and keep them in a separate place in your luggage.
- Hold on to valuables if you are approached or jostled by strangers. You may only be approached as a distraction!
- Always lock your car, caravan, hotel room or vacation apartment, even if you are only away for a short time. Never leave money and other valuables lying around.
- Always cover the PIN entry at ATMs or when making payments and ensure that you are a safe distance away from other people. Always keep an eye on your credit card when paying. Do not keep your personal identification number (PIN) in your wallet. Memorize it.
- If your payment card is stolen, have it blocked immediately by calling the emergency number 116 116. The number can also be reached from abroad with the corresponding country code +49 for Germany. For additional security, especially when calling from abroad, you can also call the emergency number +49 (0)30 40 50 40 50. Make a note of the relevant numbers or save them in your cell phone.
Also when booking a trip: beware of scammers!
The internet is often used spontaneously to quickly reserve a vacation apartment, hotel room or pitch at a campsite. You need to be careful when using online portals, because in addition to reputable offers, there are also fake sales platforms, so-called "fake stores". These broker cheap offers for advance payment that often do not even exist. Once the supposed vacation home has been paid for, the money is gone.
Check a booking portal for sufficient and consistent information about the provider.
Further information and prevention tips for your protection can be found on the homepage of the police crime prevention of the federal states and the federal government: www.polizei-beratung.de
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Your Recklinghausen police wish you a relaxing vacation!