Auto Theft » Vehicle
Security
Vehicle Security
Before getting into your vehicle
Take a few seconds to inspect
your vehicle before getting into it.
• Walk completely
around your vehicle looking for:
° Objects
placed in the path of your tires or on top of your
tires.
° Fingerprints
(if you car is dusty) around the doors, trunk or
hood areas of the vehicles.
° Wires
protruding from the doors, hood, truck or gasoline
cap.
° Pieces
of cut wire or electrical tape lying on the ground
beneath or near your vehicle.
° Signs
of forced entry.
° Look into
the back seat to ensure that the car is empty.
Driving your vehicle
• Vary
your routes to and from work and vary your departure
and arrival times frequently by at least 30 minutes.
Be systematically unsystematic.
• Avoid
parking in unsecured areas and places that will
be unlit at night.
• Be aware
of your surroundings; know who is pulling along
side of you. You should also be watching what is
taking place 3 blocks ahead of you.
• While
you're driving, be prepared to take evasive actions.
Play the "what if game" and think of what
evasive action you would take if the persons in
the car next to you suddenly made an aggressive
move or attacked in some fashion.
• Remember
that your vehicle is a 2,000-pound weapon and can
be used very effectively against attackers. Be prepared
to take action.
• Be alert
for motorcycles or bicycles stopping next to your
car, particularly if there are two riders.
Riding in a Taxi
• Only
use “Radio Taxi” or dedicated taxi stand,
telephone 225-5563, white colored vehicle clearly
marked with “el gallito” “little
rooster logo. For taxis in San Pedro Sula, use “Radio
Taxi Barandillas” telephone 557-5808/553-6251
or “Radio Taxi Ideal”, telephone 557-9147.
• Before
getting in, make an obvious point of looking at
the license number. If possible, have another person
make note of the number before you depart.
• Use
safety belts whenever available.
• Look
for driver I.D. on top right side of windshield.
• Always
agree on price before embarking.
Don't get into a taxi
if:
• The
inside door locks and handles are not working.
• It is
occupied by anyone else in addition to the driver.
• It is
dirty or the license plates are obscured.
• You
smell alcohol.
While you are in route:
• Establish
a rapport with your driver.
• Do not
allow the driver to pick up unknown passengers.
• Keep
doors locked and windows up.
• Stay
alert.
• Be prepared
to take evasive actions.
• Be prepared
to stop the driver and get out of the vehicle if
the driver is not using main streets, if he is driving
in the wrong direction, or using alleys and shortcuts.
CHECK POINTS AND POLICE STOPS
- WHAT TO DO
• Always
have:
° Copy of
passports and/or required identification
° Vehicle
registration or a copy
° License
° Company
or business ID.
• If you
don't speak Spanish - make that clear.
• Be polite,
and never, never argue.
• Be patient
and note the officer's name and badge number if
possible for follow-up complaints or future issues.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
• Only
top quality buses should be used inter-city:
° SAENZ:
for Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula (SPS).
° VIANA:
for Tegucigalpa via SPS to La Ceiba.
° Hedman
Alas: via major cities.
• Do not
use local city buses.
• Additionally
there are several quality private bus companies
that specialize in travel to specific cities. Use
only the best company available.
• If your
children ride a school bus, have a parent or maid
wait with them in the garage until they board. Have
a maid or parent waiting for them in the afternoon
as well.
