This week is Spring Break for Public Schools. Many residents will be gone on vacation. If you are leaving town (or even just going to the beach for the day), please heed the following tips. If you are staying home, keep an extra eye out for your neighbors and the neighborhood as a whole. Call
VACATION SECURITY CHECKLIST
Thieves look for “TARGETS of
you can do to avoid becoming a victim when you are going to be away.
Mainly, try to give the illusion you are home.
- Have Deadbolt Locks installed on all exterior doors (Single-cylinder on solid doors / walls, Double-cylinder when near a window). USE THEM
- Keep an inventory list and photos of all serial numbered items, engrave them with your Drivers License Number, to help get them back.
- Double-check ALL windows and doors (basements, bathrooms, kitchens)
- Leave a car in the driveway
- Use timers for Exterior AND Interior lights, TVs, stereos, etc.
- Tell a trusted neighbor about plans, leave emergency contacts and a key. Ask them to check the house and call Police if they see people around.
- BUT Limit how many people you tell of your plans. Word may spread.
- Cancel newspapers, have mail held, or at least ask the neighbor to bring them in for you. If leaving for a week, have them put the trash can out. It is an obvious marker that you are gone.
- Upon returning, walk around the house once to look for any signs of a break-in. You don’t want to walk into a crime-in-progress. If you see something open or broken, go next door and CALL POLICE.
Sgt. Shelor
