Going on Vacation?

• Going on Vacation?

• Before you go on vacation there are several things you can do to protect your home.

• Call the police substation that serves your area and tell the clerk that you would like to make a vacation report. The clerk will ask for your name, address, and a phone number where you can be reached in the event of an emergency. The date you leave and your date of return will also be requested. If you are leaving a key with a neighbor, advise the clerk. This information will be given to the officers who patrol your area.

• Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check your house everyday to make sure it is still secure. The friend can also pick up your mail and newspaper. You should also ask them to pick up any fliers around your mailbox or door. If this is not possible, have your mail and newspaper deliveries stopped.

• Place timers on lamps in several different locations inside your house.

• Cut your grass before you leave or arrange to have it mowed while you are gone.

• Try to give your house a “lived in” appearance. Keep some blinds partially open. Ask your neighbor to park his car in your driveway, put your trash out on trash day and rearrange some of the kids toys on the front lawn every day.