With thousands of visitors in town during Masters Week, most would expect Augusta's criminal element to take advantage of them.

But Augustans seem to be on their best behavior during the tournament week, officials say.

"It is a very quiet week for us," Richmond County Sheriff Ronnie Strength said, "because of the caliber coming into town for the golf tournament. It's always good folk."

Sheriff's Maj. Ken Autry, the head of the Criminal Investigation Division, says he can't explain it, but he also notices a drop in criminal activity during Masters Week.

"It's like everybody is on good behavior that week," he said. "I've never been able to analyze it to understand it."

Even though mayhem might be at a minimum during the tournament, officials say simple precautions can help prevent trouble.

Guests coming to Augusta should check to find out which areas to avoid, though there are few in Augusta, Sheriff Strength said.

When going out, visitors should go with a companion or a friend, he said, and park in well-lit areas.

Also important, Sheriff Strength said, is being careful along jam-packed Washington Road - as pedestrians and as motorists.

With parking all around Augusta National Golf Club, the road is typically jammed from Azalea Drive, near the club's entrance, to Interstate 20 and beyond.

But even though traffic might seem to be stationary, it can move at any time. Sheriff Strength said patrons should cross only where there are lights or pedestrian crossings.

"Do not run in and out of traffic," he said.

New for this year's tournament is the city's open-container ordinance. City law now prohibits open containers of alcohol on public sidewalks, streets or parks, although alcoholic beverages may be consumed on private property.

Sheriff Strength said deputies won't be making large sweeps around Washington Road and downtown to make sure people comply with the law, but he said the ordinance will be enforced.

Above all else, officials say, visitors should remain aware of their surroundings.

"You should never take an attitude (that) 'It won't happen to me,' " Sheriff Strength said, "because these things cannot be predicted."