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Avoiding Airport Crime Airports, with their anonymous crowds, are magnets for criminals. Police presence in airports is at an all-time high. Even so, law enforcement officials can't do it all themselves--there are steps you can take to prevent being a victim of airport crime. Below are some tips to help keep you and your belongings safe. If you must drive to the airport, park in a well-lit area as close to the terminal or shuttle pick-up spot as possible. Keep in mind, though, that it may not be possible to park as close to terminals as it used to be. If you feel uneasy about your surroundings, ask the shuttle driver or a uniformed police officer to wait until you safely reach the terminal or your car before driving away. Never accept packages or parcels from strangers and keep an eye on your own luggage at all times. If you use skycap services, make sure that the person helping you is an official employee of the airport, and always accompany the skycap to the check-in line. Remember that you are no longer able to check in your luggage at off-site locations or at the curb. Never give your bag or ticket to anyone unless you are at an official security checkpoint or ticket counter. A legitimate airport employee will never ask you to surrender these things anywhere else in the airport. Always be aware of where the nearest exit is. Laptop computers disappear from airports with alarming frequency, and traveling with one presents its own set of security issues. When you must bring your computer to the airport, do not let it out of your sight. If possible, try to avoid putting it through the x-ray machine by requesting that a security agent hand-check the bag instead. Don't let anyone cut in front of you at the metal detector, especially after you have placed something in the x-ray machine. One of two things might be happening: A thief might be trying to get through the metal detector first so that he or she can grab your carry-on before you get to it. Or, the thief may try to stall you by purposely setting off the metal detector, delaying you while an accomplice who already went through takes your bag. Report any suspicious activity to airport security immediately. Also beware of anyone who asks you to hold something for them, bumps you, offers to wipe a "stain" off your clothing, or otherwise tries to distract you at security. They may be trying to pick your pockets. They may also be trying to get you to unwittingly smuggle something through security for them. In the restroom, don't leave anything hanging on hooks at the top of the door to the stall. It is very easy for a thief to reach over and grab your belongings, and very difficult for you to do anything about it. Use hooks on the side walls, if available. Otherwise, leave valuables at your feet the entire time you are in the stall. Be sure to shield telephone keypads when making calling-card calls--you never know who's looking over your shoulder (sometimes with binoculars) trying to steal your credit-card number. If you think you might doze off while waiting for a flight, be sure to loop an arm or a leg through the strap of any bag you may have with you. In many foreign airports, cab drivers will pounce on travelers with offers of cheap rides. Refuse their invitations and seek out a more reputable ride at the ground transportation desk. Related Links See some of our other tips for more information about avoiding airport crime, including: Handling Increased Airport Security Traveling With a Laptop

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