Although the city of Eugene is not in the direct impact area of the solar eclipse on August 21, we are providing crime prevention information because with any large-scale event, thieves and scammers may make an appearance. This event is expected to bring in a larger population of people who are unfamiliar with the area, and who might not be expecting criminals to take advantage of visitors who are distracted by the event.
If you’ll be visiting, travelling or just staying home, please keep these tips in mind to protect you, your property and your pocket book.
Safe vehicles:
- Park in well-lit, high travel areas
- Lock your doors, close your windows, take your key
- Don’t leave ANYTHING in your vehicle
- Don’t leave your vehicle unattended, even for a minute while it is running.
Safe People:
- Be alert to your surroundings
- Travel in groups, carry your cell phone
- Walk in well-lit, high travel areas, avoid alleys and short cuts between buildings
- Guard your personal space
- Protect your purse and wallet
Safe Accommodations:
- Be alert while arriving and leaving your place of stay
- Enter through the main entry
- In your room, lock your door with the deadbolt and use the view hole before opening the door
- Lock valuables in the safe or take them with you
- Report suspicious persons to the front desk
Avoid Vacation Rental Scams:
- When renting a vacation home, be sure to use a reputable vacation rental service or website.
- Be alert to requests for personal information and unusual forms of payment, such as wire transfer or gift card.
- If the price is too good to be true, it’s likely a scam. Trust your instinct.
For tips regarding travel and the solar eclipse, Oregon Department of Transportation
The Oregon Department of Transportation and Travel Oregon have some great advice:
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Pages/Eclipse.aspx
http://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2017-Total-Solar-Eclipse.aspx