You can add to your vacation peace of mind by taking steps to ensure you and your home are secure when you are traveling.

Lakewood’s Neighborhood Watch team advises residents to take advantage of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station “vacation check" program. The program involves Lakewood Sheriff’s Volunteers on Patrol (VOP’s) monitoring your house while you are away.

You should call for a vacation check at least a week before you go on vacation. When you call, give the deputy some telltale items VOP’s should look for while patrolling. Telling them specific details, such as how many cars should be in your driveway, which lights should be on, etc. are helpful.

Call Deputy Morales at 562-623-3636 for more information or to schedule a vacation check.

Having your Block Captain and close neighbors keep on the lookout for suspicious activity around your home while you’re away is another good idea. They'll be sensitive to what’s normal on your block.

Finally, the city’s crime prevention unit has brochures on how to harden your home to thwart burglars.

For additional information call Lakewood’s Crime Prevention Office at 562-866-9771, extension 2114.  

Vacation home safety tips

Take steps to make your home look “lived in” while you're away. A house that appears lived in is less vulnerable to burglary.

• Have a neighbor or a close friend pick up your mail/newspapers and mow and water your lawn.
• Use timers on various lights throughout the house. Timers are widely available at home improvement stores.
• Put a timer on a radio and set it on a talk radio station -- so it sounds like people are inside your home.
• Consider having a friend or family member “house sit” if you are gone for more than a few days.
• Identify and record all serial/model numbers on your valuables. Engrave them with your driver’s license or identification card number for added security.

Travel tips

• Never carry a large amount of cash. Consider using traveler’s checks and credit cards. Keep a record of traveler’s checks and credit card numbers in a safe place. Have the telephone numbers to call in case your checks or credit cards are stolen.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay close attention to anything that seems unusual. When planning your day’s events, also plan how you will get there. Appearing lost or like a tourist with a map in your hand will make you look like an easy target.
• When staying in a hotel, use auxiliary locking devices and the door view to identify anyone requesting entry. Also, make sure you are aware of the building’s emergency evacuation plan.