General safety

[Simon Veness]

There have been two reports of attacks on tourists in two of the cheaper hotels along I-Drive overnight and, while not wishing to downplay the fact crime is not to be taken lightly, in both cases there was a strong element of naivity about the tourist victims.

The basic fact is simple safety precautions usually prevent these kind of things happening, and, in both cases, the tourists (a German couple in the Howard Johnson on I-Drive and an American at the Extendad Stay motel on Major Boulevard) had left their hotel doors propped open, which allowed the robbers (who were armed) to force their way into the rooms. Both sets of victims were held up at gunpoint and their rooms looted.

This is obviously not the usual tourist experience on I-Drive and the police are already all over this, looking for the perpetrators, and it will probably mean heightened police presence for a while. The one good thing is that it will focus police attention on keeping the area safe (they can't afford it to be otherwise), and hopefully telling people about basic safety precautions, like keeping hotel doors shut (even if the air-conditioning IS noisy!) and not opening the door to strangers.

Sadly, there are criminals around who will take advantage if given half a chance...... :(

[Susan Veness]

We cringe when we hear this sort of thing, not only because it's horrible for those involved but also because the media coverage will take it to the extreme, giving visitors the feeling a massive crime wave has struck the tourist areas. That ISN'T the case, and again, not wishing to point any unwarrented fingers, but visitors cannot afford to fall into the trap of thinking The Happiest Tourist Location On Earth isn't exactly like any other big, populated area. You cannot leave your common sense at home. No matter where you are travelling, someone will take advantage of those who set themselves up as easy targets.

We've all done it and I certainly DO NOT blame the victims. You should be able to leave your door wide open and your jewelry on the table. But I think we all know it's not that sort of a world any more and Orlando is no exception to that very unfortunate rule.

Go. Play. But play safe. :)

[melbell35]

Like you say Susan, use your common sense. Orlando isn't the Bronx nor is it the safest place on earth (was gonna say Disney land Dur!)
Keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.
I went with alone with my 3 children, under11,(1 autistic) and i was obviously very worried about how i'd cope, crime etc and we were absolutely fine, don't know what we were worried about. :)

www.justgiving.com/chanelle

[dmrevis]

Leaving your hotel door open?! Thats just asking for trouble. Use your head people! :rolleyes:

[scudsuchet]

People get in that holiday mood and the usual precautions go right out of the window!
Crime happens everywhere, you wouldn't leave your front door open at home or even unlocked! Same applies if not more so! when on holidays! It's the sunshine that adles the brain!!! Think!