PSA: Thwarting Crime At The Beach. How to Stay Safe

By Buzz Gulliver | Boardwalk Barker | REHOBOTH BEACH, DE

Local authorities are reminding beachgoers to take extra precautions with their personal belongings this season — and one simple trick is proving remarkably effective: always store your wallets, watches, and other valuables inside your shoes before entering the ocean.

The technique, which began as a word-of-mouth safety tip among lifeguards, has now been formally endorsed by several coastal police departments after an internal study showed an 83% decrease in petty theft along Delaware beaches since the practice became widespread.

> “Criminals tend to look under towels, in beach bags, or inside coolers,” explained Rehoboth Police Chief Rick Holbrook. “But they’ll never think to check the toe of a sneaker. It’s practically invisible to the criminal mind.”


According to Holbrook, the new “shoe vault method” was first popularized by a group of local surfers who began stashing their valuables in the tips of their shoes while riding the waves.
“Once we realized how well it worked,” he said, “we knew we had to get the word out. It’s simple physics: nobody wants to touch someone else’s sandy, sweaty shoe.”

Locals have embraced the strategy wholeheartedly.
Marjorie Dunlap, 58, of Lewes, says she’s used the trick for years.
“I used to bring a little pouch for my keys and jewelry,” Dunlap said. “Now I just wedge everything right down in my sandal. Came back after swimming the other day, and there it all was — wallet, Fitbit, wedding ring — not a thing missing. You can’t argue with results.”

Even vacationers are catching on.
Tom and Elaine Foster, visiting from Pennsylvania, said they were skeptical at first.
“My wife thought it was ridiculous,” said Tom. “But when we came back and saw everyone else doing it, I figured we might as well. Sure enough, my wallet was still right there in my flip-flop, just like the officer said.”

Officials say the trend may even expand beyond Delaware.

> “We’ve already had calls from Ocean City and Myrtle Beach asking about the program,” said Holbrook. “It’s community-based innovation at its best.”

Beach safety advocates stress that this method should be combined with other precautionary measures, such as locking vehicles, securing hotel safes, and applying sunscreen. But when it comes to day-to-day ocean visits, the advice remains clear:

“If you love it, put it in your shoe.”