The National Crime Prevention Council says travel safety has taken on a new meaning during these tough economic times. The organization best known for its icon, McGruff the Crime Dog, says opportunistic thieves may be looking for unprotected homes or pre-occupied travelers during the Thanksgiving holiday. NCPC suggests following these safety tips to avoid problems during the start of the busiest travel season of the year.

After a long flight, you’ve just checked in to your hotel room. It’s very late, and before going to bed, and you’d like some orange juice. You’re too tired to walk back down the hall to get one from the machine, so you open the cute little glass-front cooler in your room.