Huntington Ridge Homeowners

Neighborhood Watch Program - Vacation checklist

VACATION SECURITY CHECKLIST

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM
Thieves look for what police term “targets of opportunity.” There are many things you can do to avoid becoming one of the victims, especially when you are going to be away from your home for an extended period.

?˜ Arrange for your local law enforcement agency to check your house periodically.

?˜ Double check second floor and basement windows, areas that are often forgotten.

?˜ Make sure that exterior areas will not give your absence away. Arrange to have mail and deliveries either stopped or picked up by a neighbor.

?˜ Leave a car in the driveway. Have outside lights turned off and on with a home timer. Arrange to have the lawn cut and the bushes trimmed.

?˜ Have several timers attached to lights in various locations through the house. One timer can be programmed to turn one light on and off several times during the evening. Several times performing the same function can give a very “lived-in” look to a home.

?˜ This same practice with home timers can be utilized with TV’s and radios, giving an added sound element to the “lived-in” look.

?˜ Ask your neighbors to check your home regularly and leave a number with them where you can be reached. Ask neighbors also to use your garbage cans. Spotters for burglars sometimes work for trash collectors. Ask neighbors to also pick up handbills or circulars.

?˜ While it is advisable to notify police and a neighbor of your planned absence, don’t tell everyone about your plans. Don’t leave notes on the door for neighbors, deliverymen, etc.

?˜ If, upon returning from your trip, you spot evidence of a break-in, do not enter the house. Call the police at once! The burglar may still be inside.

?˜ Make a list by serial number, date purchased, and price of expensive items and keep the list in a safe place not in the home. While doing so, mark valuable with an engraver.

?˜ Doors and windows should be equipped with deadbolt locks rather than spring bolt locks.