No one wants to be a crime victim, particularly while on vacation. And in this regard, Hollywood is no different from anyplace else. But what about dangers that you don't know to look out for? How do you avoid those? Well, that is why it pays to read the local news a few days before you arrive.
Instructions
Avoid the Dangers of Being a Tourist in Hollywood, California
1. Review recent crime statistics for Hollywood by visiting the Los Angeles Police Department's website. (See resource section below.) It will allow you access to a computerized mapping system that details the frequency of different types of crime (light orange equals violent robbery; light blue equals aggravated assault...) in different areas---whether one particular block or a much larger space.
2. Read the online versions of Los Angeles-area newspapers for additional information about recent criminal activity or concerns for tourists. You will find links below in the resource section for the Los Angeles Daily News and L.A. Times websites.
3. Listen to tour guides you encounter during your trip. Tour guides typically have a wealth of information about high-crime areas and the cons being run on tourists. They also come to the rescue of tourist at times. (Read an article from the L.A. Times link below to learn about one such incident.)
4. Ask your concierge about risks in the area or activities to avoid during your stay due to the probability of crime.
5. Take precautions during your stay. These include, but are not limited to, frequently scanning your surroundings for anything that seems suspicious; not going anywhere alone or allowing circumstances to separate you from the other members of your party; and not flashing a lot of cash or counting your money in public.
In addition, don't put on expensive jewelry until you arrive at your destination for the night (then do so in a powder room), and promptly remove it before transport back to the hotel (in a like manner), as this will reduce anyone's unnecessary knowledge of its presence except for the intended event viewers and your traveling companions.
Lastly, do not cavalierly discuss your schedule or finances in the presence of hotel or restaurant staff; nor any other stander by, and make sure to lock any valuables in the hotel safe when leaving your room each day.
