TV Experiment Exposes Flaws in Hotel Security

In order to check on security at hotel, ABC’s Good Morning America conducted an experiment in two hotels in Richmond, Va. Two of the network’s producers checked to two different stays as normal while security specialist Bill Stanton posed as a fake thief in order to showcase weaknesses in hotel security.

At the first hotel, Stanton watched from a close enough distance to overhear the producer’s personal information given to the receptionist at the front desk as he checked in, which in turn provided him access to the producer’s full name and room number. Stanton followed the producer to his room so he could see exactly where it was for when he came back later. When the producer left his room for the gym, Stanton ordered housekeeping to the room using the producer’s name and room number. Stanton then managed to enter the producer’s room and steal personal belongings as well as the valet card, which gave him access to the producer’s car — which he then also stole.

At the second hotel, Stanton followed the same procedure, easily gaining access to the room to steal personal belongings. He was bolder this second time, calling the front desk to come and open the safe, saying he had forgotten his combination. The hotel staff quickly complied and he had access to the producer’s safe within minutes.

Stanton says that hotel security is a priority but it’s not always their main concern, as most hotels focus more on comfort. Both hotels said that they will immediately address their flaws in security. Stanton advises tourists to always keep their valuables on their person or not bring them at all while traveling, and not always rely on security provided by the hotel.

He also gave some tips to secure your belongings while traveling:

• Never say your name out loud at check-in. That is privileged information. Be prepared to show your ID at check-in to avoid giving any personal information out loud where people can overhear.
• When you’re in your room, keep the additional lock on at all times.
• When you do leave your room, always make it appear as though it’s occupied. Leave the TV and lights on to give the appearance of someone in the room.

[Photo: Getty]