Check out tips to avoid break-ins in hotel rooms – 11/16/2023 – Tourism

In Porto Alegre, a family woke up in the early hours of the morning to find a stranger invading their hotel room. The man was wearing a white shirt and black pants and was going through the couple’s and children’s luggage. When questioned, he claimed to have made a mistake and then ran away from the scene. Guests also mentioned that the intruder tried to open other rooms.

It sounds like a horror movie story, but it’s not. The case happened to an Englishman, his Brazilian wife, and the couple’s two children, one aged 3 and the other 6 years old. The family was returning from a trip to the interior of Rio Grande do Sul and would leave for Colombia the next day. The hotel was ordered to pay R$20,000 in compensation.

On social media, videos showing invasions and opening doors in hotel rooms went viral with millions of hits. Attempts include wires, improvised tools and money bands. With some strategies to reinforce security, it is possible to protect yourself and avoid unpleasant situations during your stay. Check out the following tips:

1- Portable lock

There are several models of manual locks that provide additional security and privacy. The material consists of an adjustable metal bar that can be placed inside the door to prevent it from opening, even if the lock is broken, or it can have a long rod and threaded attachment for locking. Extra physical resistance is created to make unauthorized entry difficult. Portable locks can be carried in bags or suitcases to reinforce door latches and are installed without the use of other tools.

2 – Door chock

A door wedge is an item used to keep a door open or prevent it from closing completely. It can be made of rubber or another resistant material and has a triangular or wedge shape. The wedge should be placed on the floor, close to the base of the door, to prevent it from moving.

3 – Wedge with alarm

The alarm wedge resembles a door wedge, but has a switch that triggers sensors. There are two operating modes: the equipment can be placed behind the door and, when someone pushes, the alarm emits a loud sound and red light; The sensor mode can be fixed to windows and, if it is touched, the alarm will also go off.

4- Ironing board

The ironing board, usually kept inside a closet, can function as a sound feature. If the guest does not have extra locks on their door, they can use the board as a security measure by placing it against the door. If an intruder tries to enter, the object will fall and make noise.

5 – Pay attention to the peephole

Covering the peephole in hotel doors with ribbons or pieces of paper can be another security measure to ensure privacy and prevent unwanted intrusions. Some unwanted observers try to spy on or monitor activities happening inside the room. If it is necessary to open the door, first check who is outside.

6 – Be careful with keys

Avoid leaving keys exposed and accessible to other people. Store them in a safe place, such as an inside pocket of your bag or backpack, away from objects that could damage them. In the case of electronic keys, such as cards, remember that they are personal and non-transferable. Do not lend or share them with other people, even if you know them. If the hotel uses physical keys, do not leave them visible or give them to strangers. This avoids the risk of loss or misuse.

7 – Choose reliable hotels

Research the hotel history of other guests and book well-rated locations known for their safety. Review sites can be useful for finding information about a property’s reputation and location before booking. When leaving the hotel, be aware of your surroundings and avoid dangerous or poorly lit areas. If you receive unsolicited visitors, call reception immediately and notify the establishment’s management. If necessary, contact local authorities.