A manual for preparing for and dealing with theft and loss problems in the U.S.

-Preparation and precautions before the trip

When planning a trip to the United States, advance preparation is very important. First, check the expiration date on your passport. To enter the U.S., your passport may need to be valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to return home. Also, don't forget to apply for ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which can be easily applied for online and is often approved in a few minutes, but we recommend applying early in case of delays.

Consider purchasing travel insurance. Medical expenses are expensive in the U.S., so insurance is essential in case of illness or injury. It is also a good idea to choose a plan that covers theft, loss, and other problems.

You should also make a list of your personal belongings. Essentials include your passport, ESTA authorization documents, and credit cards. It is also a good idea to bring a plug and voltage converter to accommodate the different voltage and outlet configuration from Japan.

In addition, it is important to research local security information as a safety measure. By checking the safety information for each area you visit and understanding which areas are safe and which areas to avoid, you can avoid unnecessary problems.

Finally, if you check English conversation phrases and smartphone apps that you can use locally in advance, you will be able to communicate without anxiety. By making these preparations without neglect, you will have a safe and enjoyable trip to the U.S., so please proceed carefully one by one.

-Initial response in the event of theft

### - Initial response in case of theft

If you are a victim of theft in the United States, it is important to remain calm. The first thing you should do is assess the situation and ensure your safety. Observe the people and environment around you to make sure there are no hazards. Then, assess the extent of the damage. For example, if specific items were stolen, such as a wallet or cell phone, it is a good idea to record the details in a note.

The next thing to do is to contact the local police. The sooner you call the police, the better, so act as quickly as possible. When making the report, be sure to provide your identity information (name, address, etc.) as well as details of the stolen item (brand name, color, size, etc.). It is also important to give the exact location and time of the incident at this time.

After contacting the police, gather as much evidence as possible on the spot. For example, if there is security camera footage available, confirm its existence and ask if it has been saved. If there are witnesses, it is also helpful to obtain testimony from them.

In addition, make every effort to record as much as possible yourself. It will be helpful later if you take photos of the crime scene and related documents and items with a smartphone or other photo-enabled device. It is also a good idea to contact the Japanese embassy or consulate. Japanese embassies and consulates abroad have a support system for Japanese travelers and can provide useful advice and assistance.

Last but not least, although you may feel anxious, please do not be in a hurry to take action, as the situation will be resolved if you proceed with the procedure step by step. The information and evidence gathered at this stage will be useful in the claims process with the insurance company, so please be sure to keep it in a safe place.

-Procedures for finding lost property

-Procedures for finding lost property

If you lose something while traveling in the U.S., it is important to respond quickly and calmly. First of all, calm down and assess the situation. It is important to remember where you last saw the item and under what circumstances. This will give you a clear idea of where and how to look for it.

Next, inquire with staff or officials at the place you are staying or visiting. In hotels, it is useful to go to the front desk; in restaurants and tourist attractions, it is useful to check directly with the staff. Also, check the location of lost and found offices (Lost and Found) in some large facilities.

If you have lost an item on public transportation, you may want to visit the website of the company that operates it to find information about the lost item. In many cases, there are systems that allow you to report through online forms, so take advantage of those. When doing so, be sure to provide as much accurate information as possible, as you may be asked to provide specific dates, times, vehicle numbers, and other details.

Additionally, you may want to walk around the area you visited again yourself. There is a possibility that it has been picked up by someone else and delivered nearby. It is also effective to search again at a time when there are fewer pedestrians on the street, as you can calmly search again.

Calling out on the Internet, such as through social networking sites, can also be effective. Asking for information on a specific community group or local bulletin board may attract a large number of people to cooperate. However, please be careful to keep personal information confidential.

Last but not least, don't give up once you think you can't find it, but perseverance will often lead to discovery. To this end, remain calm and patient. By being unhurried and careful throughout this entire process, you will increase the likelihood that something important will be returned to you.

-How to report to the local police and key points

If you are a victim of theft or loss in the United States, it is very important to report it to the local police. Below is an explanation of how to report to the local police and the points to remember when doing so.

First, if you discover that your property has been stolen or lost, head to the nearest police station as soon as possible. In case of an emergency, you can call 911 for instructions. Even in the case of a non-emergency, it is recommended that you visit the police station in person, as a quick response is required.

At the police station, you are expected to give accurate and detailed information about the damage. To do so, it is helpful to organize the following information in advance:
1. date and time of occurrence
2. place of occurrence
3. damaged items (specific characteristics and value)
4. the circumstances of the incident (under what circumstances the damage occurred)

This information must be given in English, so if necessary, use a translation application. Another option is to consult with the Japanese embassy or consulate for interpretation services.

Be sure to receive a report number or copy of the "Police Report" after filing. Please keep this report in a safe place, as it will be needed for insurance claims and other purposes.

As a further precaution, if you have any questions or concerns, check them on the spot and try to proceed with the procedure without anxiety. In many cases, you will be asked to present identification at public institutions, so it is a good idea to bring a valid ID (passport, etc.) as well.

The above steps and points will facilitate the procedures for reporting to the local police. By responding calmly and promptly, you will be able to resolve any subsequent problems.

-Contact the insurance company and file a claim

### - Contact Insurance Company and Claims Process

If you are a victim of theft or loss while traveling in the U.S., it is very important to contact your insurance company and follow the claim procedures. First of all, it is important to carefully review your travel insurance policy. Many insurance policies cover damage due to theft or loss, but the specific coverage and conditions vary from policy to policy, so it is recommended that you understand them beforehand.

In the event of damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Usually, 24-hour customer service is available to provide prompt assistance, either from Japan or locally. When contacting the company, you will need to provide basic information such as your policyholder number and name. You will also be asked for details about the incident, so be sure to organize when and where it happened.

The next step is the billing process. In most cases, a police report document (police report) is required. This document is issued locally and is often in English. In addition, other documents such as proof obtained from the hotel or airline (e.g., proof of lost luggage) can also be helpful.

In addition, receipts and credit card statements for purchased items should also be submitted for smooth processing. Based on these documents, the amount of damage will be calculated and submitted to the insurance company along with the respective documents. At this time, if there is any missing information or additional documents, please respond promptly.

Last but not least, it is important to follow up with the applicant on a regular basis once submitted. Checking on the progress and asking questions about any unclear points will give you peace of mind. Also, after you return to Japan, you should check again to make sure that all procedures have been completed without any deficiencies.

Receiving adequate compensation through this process can alleviate the emotional and financial burden caused by unforeseen circumstances.

-How to reissue passports and other important documents

### How to reissue passports and other important documents

If you lose your passport or other important documents in the U.S., it is important to proceed with the reissue procedure as soon as possible. Below are the specific procedures.

First, if you realize that you have lost your passport, contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate general. The embassy will assist you in obtaining an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This ETD can be used only when returning to Japan, but is useful as a temporary proof of identity.

Next, when you go to the Embassy or Consulate-General, be sure to bring the following items with you
- Identification (driver's license, etc.)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Report received from the police station where the loss was reported

Preparing these documents will make the procedure easier. Also, please keep this temporary travel document in a safe place, as you will need it when you obtain a passport again in Japan.

The same precautions should be taken with credit cards and other important documents. In the case of credit cards, contact the credit card company immediately and request that the card be suspended to prevent unauthorized use. Then proceed with the procedure for issuing a new card.

Furthermore, if you lose other important documents during your stay in the U.S. (e.g., visa-related documents), it is recommended that you contact the corresponding agency for each type of document, as there are different procedures to deal with each type. In the case of visa-related issues, you should work with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and others to find out about the new application process.

Finally, as a safety measure, it is usually a good idea to keep separate copies of these important documents. You can also store them in digital form in the cloud for additional peace of mind. Be sure to be prepared before your trip so that you can respond calmly and quickly to any unforeseen circumstances.