How to avoid your room being robbed while traveling

[Sapphire723]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dmitri_Markine Also, electronic hotel keys are programmed individually for each door. If anything gets stolen, just ask a manager to see who was the last person to use the key in your room. Housekeeping personal usually have keys that programmed for specific units/floors. And only managers are allowed(front desk don't have the access) to make master keys. Most hotels only have 1-2 master keys for the whole property.

Yes, this is true, but I've read many horror stories about how management was confronted about things being stolen from the safe and having management blame the traveler, do nothing, or even threaten to have the guest arrested. This is especially a problem for weddings, because many of the staff are aware that a group of people will not be in their room for an extended period of time.

I'm not saying that all hotels have staff that would steal or every person who thinks they're missing something actually had it stolen, but it has happen, and I would caution everyone to use their own locks/safes and not to rely on the ones in the hotel that can be opened by someone else. You shouldn't be paranoid, but you should be cautious.

[xxashleyxx007]

Some excellent tips and suggestions. I have found myself doing most of those things when I go on vacation and have never had an issue. Especially tips for the hotel staff or coloring books/crayons for their kids etc. they take very good care of you. Also obviously use the safety deposit box. Most have a key, but even if it's a passcode you can usually put in your own.

[Sapphire723]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxashleyxx007 Also obviously use the safety deposit box. Most have a key, but even if it's a passcode you can usually put in your own.

I would not recommend using the safety deposit boxes for the aforementioned reasons. It would be better to get your own safe or locks for your suitcase (or a diversion safe) that are not controlled by the resort, because resort staff (not all of them, but some of them) have the ability to override your code or use their spare key.
Diversion Safe, Diversion Safes, Can Safe, Can Safes, Water Bottle Safe, Brief Safe, Underwear Safe, In-Home Security

If someone were to be inclined to steal from you, it would be much easier if they have access to a spare key or override code, because of course you would put your valuables in the safe. This makes quick work for someone who really wants to steal from you, because they won't even have to search through your belongings to get the stuff worth money.

Just how safe is the hotel safe? Not as safe as you'd hope! | Gadling.com

The below story is of a DW in Tulum where the group lost over $100,000 in cash, jewelry, and other valuables while they were attending the wedding. Many of the stolen items were in the safe and an override code was used to reset the passcode on the safes. To add salt to the wounds, because it was obviously an inside job done by those who would have access to the override, the resort became hostile when the theft was reported. They threatened to have the members arrested or detained for trying to report the theft to the authorities.

Inside Edition - News
Fort Bend Herald

This one is a case of theft from a safe in Italy.
My3cents.com - Hotel Gioberti - Rome, Italy Complaint - Theft from hotel room safe, Hotel theft

So again, if you truly want to protect your valuables, DON'T PUT THEM IN THE HOTEL SAFE! It might be safe from other travelers who wouldn't normally have access to your room anyway, but it will not protect you from a hotel staff member who is both corrupt and has a key to the safe.

On a positive note, I did not lock up or hide my stuff while in Mexico last week, and I did not have anything stolen... although I can't find my car keys, but I think I lost them before I even left! :-)

[EmenGeeRoxx]

Sucks to hear I have never had a problem and I have been to so many places around the world. I am a minimalist though and try not to be too flashy nor carry much valuables. That's just asking for trouble anyway.

[finzup]

Thanks for the tips...

 

Story -- I stayed at the blue bay esmerelda last year and often times left random change/money lying around (not as a tip for the maids) and it was perfectly fine. Nothing was taken. Also -- I came home one day to find the safe OPEN (yes, I did use the room safe) .. I quickly called the front desk and within minutes a security guard was there. While waiting for him I checked my cash, credit cards, camera, etc and it was all there. The security guard was very friendly and nice and seemed genuinely happy when I told him that I must've left it open because nothing was missing.

So long story short, I know there are some bad apples out there but most people are genuinely nice and would not steal from you. The thefts are the exceptions, not the norm. Take precautions, yes, but don't think everyone is out to get you.

 

That being said, I am now going to think up some other place to store my stuff other than the room safe!

[foxytv]

The hotel room safes are definitely NOT a safe bet. My SIL had cash stolen from their safe at our DW ... and another bride had their camera and computer stolen from their room during their wedding ceremony the day before ours.

 

We lock stuff in luggage inside of luggage, like Morgan does. That has always worked well for us. Along with the Do Not Disturb sign as backup.

 

We were worried about having things stolen during our wedding ... so I left out my fake e-ring in case any thieves decided to try it ... but the ring was still there and it didn't seem as though anything was touched.

 

My SIL was the only one who had anything stolen - but definitely DO NOT use the hotel room safes.

[finzup]

I just found something called a portable travel safe -- Pacsafe Anti-theft Travel Bags and Accessories - has anyone used this type of thing? Apparently you put your valuables in it and the lock it to the sink pipe ...

[finzup]

Oh and I just thought of something -- to "test" how easy it is for the hotel staff to get into the safe - when you first check in, lock the safe and then call and say that it was locked when you checked in. See what the procedure is for mgmt to unlock the safe -- is it one guy that just comes up with a 'master' code? Prob not so safe. If it's 2 people with some sort of electronic device to unlock it, it might be a bit safer.

I'm a bit unsettled though.. I mean where do you keep credit cards and cash while you're at the pool?

[MsZ]

Thanks for sharing all of these. Will def. have to try when I go.

[LIW]

This is a good post.

 

Last time I was in Cuba, we used our safe. We kept our passports and 50 CUC for our departure tax in the safe and that was it. Nothing was stolen. Our wallets with our money and our camera, being the only other valuables we brought with us, were kept on us at all times.

 

We left a few CUC everyday for the housekeeping staff and for the most part they took the tips. However, there were 1 or 2 days where the room was cleaned and they didn't take the tip.

 

One thing I would like to mention, is you should be careful what you pack in your suitcase because the place it might actually be stolen from is the airport. Our suitcase was searched when we arrived in Cuba. There have been incidents where items have been stolen by airport staff, even in your home country.

 

Your best bet is to not bring anything with you that is not absolutely necessary.

 

Also, I think we should always remember, that if someone wants to steal from you, they will. You can take all the measures you want, but if they are determined, they will take it.