Ask an Officer: How to protect your belongings on vacation

Officer Tyler Parker shares how to keep valuables safe when on vacation. Photo: Park City Police Department

PARK CITY, Utah — As tourists flock to Park City for relaxation and fun, local law enforcement is reminding visitors to stay vigilant about protecting their personal belongings.

In the latest installment of “Ask an Officer,” a video series produced by the Park City Police Department, Officer Tyler Parker addressed concerns about theft prevention in hotels and vehicles.

“In Park City, we get a lot of visitors. Hotel thefts are very rare here,” Officer Parker said. However, he emphasized the importance of taking precautions.

Parker recommended keeping valuables close at hand during hotel stays. “Keep your valuables with you, wallets, purses. If you’re in a hotel room that offers a safe, go ahead and put your valuables in the safe,” he advised.

Additional tips for hotel security include leaving lights and TV on with the volume turned up, requesting new keys instead of duplicates, and hanging the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.

According to Parker, vehicle break-ins pose a more common threat, especially at trailheads. “The best thing you can do is, again, keep your personal property with you as much as possible,” he said.

When items must be left in a vehicle, Parker stressed the importance of concealment. “If you do need to leave something in the car, leave it out of sight, lock it in the trunk,” he explained. “If they don’t see it, usually they won’t even bother it.”

These simple precautions can help ensure visitors enjoy their stay in Park City without falling victim to opportunistic theft.