Hotel rooms are generally considered safe and secure but one never knows where the mishap may happen. Crimes these days are becoming so common. One of the most common emerging crimes that is happening these days is someone breaking into your hotel room.
First of all, if you are stepping into a hotel just be aware you must not fall into any trap or crime. Before checking in at the hotel, look for the security cameras around the reception area and lobby so that if someone tries to sneak into the room, you can get proof for it.
The most important thing if something like this happens to you is firstly don’t panic at all, keep your instincts open, and handle the situation smartly.
In such circumstances just be careful with your valuable things like laptops, mobiles, cash, documents, jewelry, and more. Keep your master key at a safe place so that you can use it if you get a chance to escape from the room. So there are many ways to get out of this situation and inform the hotel security about the same incident that happened with you.
How to Prevent A Break-in?
There are many ways that can prevent the hotel room from breaking. Firstly, if you are checking into any hotel be sure about the hotel security measures and safety. Look for the CCTV cameras and monitor the hotel staff behavior’s too.
The next step comes when you check into your room. After checking into your room, one of the very first things to do is to check for any hidden cameras or any unidentified object that can object to your privacy. Always be alert with your surroundings and the atmosphere of the hotel.
The room of the hotel should be locked properly so that no one can even sneak into your room without your permission. You should always lock up your room windows and keep the curtains placed so that your privacy is maintained. One must also look for your room safe so that you can keep your valuable items like cash, jewellery, documents, IDs and more. It is also recommended that you do not share your personal details with any stranger because it may be risky if you are sharing your room details. There are chances that any stranger can break into your room without information.
Click Here:-Hotel employees are always responsible for theft in the workplace?
What should you do if you notice the signs of forced entry into your hotel room?
It is advised that if you notice any signs of forced entry into your hotel room, firstly don’t get nervous or panic at all. Look for the possible solutions which you can immediately do.
There must be a possibility that you can find an unidentified object or weapon in your room which can be dangerous so you do not need to touch or leave your fingerprints on that thing for your safety point of view. Inform the hotel security as soon as possible so that they can take action regarding it.
In the meanwhile check for the security cameras to identify the unknown person who stepped into the room. You can also ask the hotel security to call the police to start the investigation procedure for the same. Once the management deals with the situation, just ask them to assure you that situations like these don’t happen again. You can also follow their instructions for maintaining your privacy and safety. The most important thing is to keep your room locked so that no stranger can take advantage of it.
Whom to contact first?
Circumstances like these can happen to anyone. It is recommended that if there is any unidentified object or source in the hotel room then it’s your responsibility to take action against it. You can contact the hotel security at first so that they can do their task and check the security cameras.
You can also call for police but police will take time to come to the hotel room. But yes the final legal action has to be taken by the police only. The hotel security can take the proper safety measures in the meanwhile by transferring you to the other room or keeping a keen eye on every stranger roaming around.
It is advised that if you are facing any kind of situation like this then hotel security needs to be informed at first. The instructions given by the hotel management needs to be followed precisely, otherwise you can fall into trouble.
Should you wait for the police to arrive before taking any action ?
You cannot take any action by the time police arrive because it is advisable to keep yourself in a safe space so that no harm can be caused to you.
It is recommended that the hotel security and management should be informed about the whole scenario, that how you assume someone has broken into your room. You can ask the hotel management to provide you with full safety and security. Also they can start their part of investigation so that they can provide the complete proofs to the police.
Check for CCTV footage and there should be a security alert in the hotel so that no stranger or any unidentified object can enter into the premises of the hotel. Ask the staff to keep you and your things in a safe environment so that no harm can be done to you from the unidentified thing or person. Also you can inform your known persons about the complete scenario so that they can come to rescue you from the hotel.
What should you do if your valuables are stolen during the hotel room break-in ?
If you find your valuables stolen from a hotel room breaking. Firstly check for all the items including your gadgets, jewelers , documents and more. If you find any of these valuables stolen from the room then inform the hotel security, check for the security cameras and inform the police about the complete scenario.
It is advisable to keep your valuable things in the safe of the room so that it does not get stolen or lost. But if it has been stolen then you must follow up with the hotel staff to take possible action against the lost things. Also you can file a complaint or an FIR against your lost item so that the police can take legal action for it. It is mandatory to file a complaint against your lost item because that may help you to cover your lost item.
Compensation for the losses incurred
If you have lost your valuable item during a hotel room break in, then you should have the proper documents for the same. Documentation of the product may help you to file a complaint against it and this will also help to get the compensation of the product.
You can get the cover from the different insurances or incurred losses like security coverage, cash and a trust fund.
There are also other options for taking up the compensation for your lost items like you can ask for theft insurance that you get a cover for your lost items also if your loss is bigger then you can even get compensation in cash. It’s really important to do the insurance of your valuable items so that you cannot grieve for the losses that may be incurred during any kind of situation like this.
Ensuring safety and security during your stay
If you’re travelling and taking a hotel room then you must ensure your safety and security from all perspectives. Here are some tips for a safe stay in a hotel
- You should research about the hotel location and surroundings
- Sanitise your room
- Check into your room and look for any hidden cameras or gadgets that may conquer your privacy
- Review the safety guide
- Keep your door and windows locked
- Use hotel safe to keep your valuables
- Don’t publicize your room number
- Trust your instincts
Along with these tips you can also have a keen eye on the hotel security and management so that you can be aware of the security cameras. It is really important to keep information about the security system of the hotel to maintain your own privacy and safety. You can also look for the staff behaviour and professionalism that will help you to ensure the safety of the hotel.
What type of security measures should hotels implement to prevent break in and thefts?
The hotel can implement many safety measures that can avoid the break-in of the thieves. Hotels can install security cameras in every lobby and corridors of the hotel to get a complete view of the passage so that no stranger or thief can enter the premises of the hotel.
It is also advisable to install a deadbolt lock in the rooms so that it limits any stranger to gain access to enter the room when it is locked from inside. Hotels can also control the access by using a surveillance system to monitor the unidentified people or objects entering the hotel.
They can also maintain the room cleanliness and dissuade bad behaviour. There should be a red tag system for the staff and hotel management should do a locker inspection so that it is safe and secure from thieves and unidentified objects.
Hotels should have the facility of fire alarms, smoke detectors and hotel emergency manuals that can help the guests to gain knowledge about the thieves and hotel break-in. The security guards should be trained and active so that they can provide the best safety to their guests.
What to do if hotel staff don’t take appropriate action ?
If hotel staff don’t take any appropriate actions against the theft or break in then it’s your duty to escalate your problem to the legal authorities. This situation may happen if you may have lost your valuable item or some stranger enters your room without your permission then you just need to inform the hotel authorities and the security.
But then many times hotel authorities don’t take correct action regarding your issue or the item you have lost. So in that case you need to inform the police as soon as possible. File an FIR for the items you have lost so that the police can investigate the case and take legal action regarding the same.
It is really important to inform the police because it is possible that police can find out your item or the damages you have faced. You can also get your insurance covered if you file a complaint with the police.
Conclusion
So it is really important to keep yourself in a safe environment if you are travelling to a new city and staying in a hotel. Crimes can happen anytime and anywhere and these kinds of crimes are very common and can happen if you are not alert about it. Beware of the strangers and don’t disclose your room number to anyone.
Keep your valuables into the room safe and read the safety guide of the hotel. You can enjoy your hotel stay and be safe if you are following the steps like researching about the hotel before checking into it. Carry your safety kit with you which includes the flashlights and pepper spray so that it can be used at any time of emergency.
You can keep your curtains closed and door locked to respect your privacy. You should keep an information about the emergency exits and fire extinguishers so that you can use it at the time of emergency or theft break in.
For a hassle free stay in the hotel you can also use the Do not disturb sign outside your room so that no stranger may enter your room without your permission. If you are leaving the room then keep your suitcase locked and carry your cash and valuable items with you.
These are the tips and tricks which one should use and get aware if you are staying in the hotel. These tips will be helpful to keep you safe from the hotel thieves and will lessen the chances of break-in into your room.
