Article provided by Baird Law Group. Please visit our Web site at www.bairdfirm.com.

Security experts warn that members of the public should always be aware of their surroundings, even when they're in apartment buildings, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, amusement parks and other places where security equipment and personnel are provided by owners.

Law enforcement officials across the state are dealing with violent crimes, including assaults, sex crimes and robberies, perpetrated at facilities with security measures.

Hotel and Restaurant Safety

Each year, more than a billion travelers stay at U.S. hotels. Experts warn that despite the surveillance cameras, hotel staff and locked doors, hotel patrons are advised to be more cautious as the country's recession deepens. Violent crimes such as armed robbery happen more often at small hotel properties near highways, say security specialists.

In Daytona Beach, the police chief told a newspaper that 61 armed robberies had taken place in the first five months of this year alone. Law enforcement officials in Tampa recently announced the arrests of three people involved in a series of robberies in area restaurant parking lots. Earlier this year, the Tampa Police Department's robbery unit arrested four Blake High School students in connection with five armed robberies at restaurants.

Mall Dangers

A South Florida Sun-Sentinel report on mall crime shows that the most violent crimes at malls occur in the daytime, with 73 percent of violent crimes taking place in parking lots. Security specialists advise mall patrons to always scan the immediate area before parking your car and to always be aware of who is around you. They say it's best to stay focused on your surroundings rather than allowing yourself to be distracted by cell phone conversations or other diversions.

According to the report, on average, there is one South Florida woman per week accosted at a mall; a quarter of those encounters turn violent. In most cases, suspects are never arrested or even identified.

Amusement Parks

In July, the Orlando Sentinel reported on an alarming spate of violent sex crimes in area water parks, including the rape of a 14-year-old girl and the molestation of three girls. Security personnel at the water parks said they were reviewing staffing and procedures in light of the reports.

How to stay safe

Law enforcement authorities say a number of common-sense steps will keep your hotel stay safer:

• Put your valuables in the in-room safe.
• Leave the "do not disturb" sign on your door and leave a light and radio or TV on when you leave your room.
• Use the deadbolt on your door.
• Don't open your door unless you know who is on the other side of it.
• Don't leave valuables in your car.
• Park your car as near to the lobby as possible.

As you enter the hotel parking lot, scan the area for suspicious people.