AUSTIN, Texas -- The Austin Police Department is offering the public, especially Austin visitors, a variety of safety tips for SXSW 2018.

--Hotel Burglaries--

  • Lock valuables: Lock items such as electronics, car keys, cash, jewelry in hotel room safes or keep them with you if possible. You can also ask to use the hotel’s safe.
  • Deter people from entering the room: Don't Hang the ''Make Up This Room” card on the door, instead leave the ''Do Not Disturb'' sign up and the television on.
  • Avoid displaying valuables: Avoid showing large amounts of cash, jewelry, or other valuables at the registration desk, hotel restaurant or lobby.
  • Lock the door: Take an extra moment to turn around to make sure the door has closed and the lock has engaged. Don’t share your room number with others.
  • Take your belongings with you: Take everything with you that is irreplaceable.
  • Be proactive: Install tracking software on electronics and make sure you have serial numbers in case you need to report items lost or stolen.
  • Report it: If you become a victim of burglary, report it immediately by calling 911.

The Austin Police Department has worked several hotel burglary calls in previous years during SXSW. Investigation results show the burglaries often occurred while victims were out at SXSW events. Often times, the perpetrators would enter rooms by forcing doors open, stealing primarily electronic and technology related items.

--Auto and Bicycle Thefts--

According to the Austin Police Department, it only takes five minutes for a thief to steal your vehicle in Texas and two and a half minutes to burglarize your vehicle.

  • Lock your car and take your keys. Don’t make it easier for a thief to enter your vehicle. Half of all vehicles stolen in Texas are the result of drivers leaving their keys behind, in what they believe are hidden locations. 
  • Park in well-lit areas or attended lots. Over half of all vehicle thefts occur at night.
  • Hide or take valuables. Secure your valuables in the trunk prior to arrival at your designation. 
  • Write down where you parked. Take a picture or text yourself where you have left your vehicle to avoid confusion later on. 

If you’re using a bicycle for transportation, please make sure to take extra precautions:

  • Lock it up. The following types of locking devices are preferred:
  • A heavy duty U-Lock
  • A heavy duty bicycle chain lock with combination
  • Using a combination of both devices will further help in prevention of bicycle theft
  • Proper lighting. Equip your bike with a front white light and red rear light.
  • Visibility. Wear bright clothes for added visibility at night.
  • Protection. Wear protective gear when riding such as a helmet and kneepads/ elbow pads.
  • Use signals. Use hand signals when riding, especially through congested areas.
  • Register your bike. Citizens can register bicycles here: http://austintexas.gov/page/bike-registration

APD Auto Theft Interdiction Project programs are funded through the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority to reduce auto and burglary theft in the state of Texas.