Vacation Security

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

Request a vacation check

The Lakewood Sheriff’s Station offers a free “vacation check" program. The program involves Lakewood Sheriff’s Volunteers on Patrol (VOP’s) monitoring your house while you are away.

You should request a vacation check at least a week before your trip. You can either:

• Call Lakewood Station to request a vacation check.
• Complete the form and email it to Lakewood Station.

Be sure to provide details to help the patrols know if something is amiss. Specific details, such as how many cars should be in your driveway, which lights should be on, etc. are helpful.

Other tips to help keep your home safe while you're away 

Take steps to make your home look “lived in” while you're away. 

• Let your Neighborhood Watch block captain know when you'll be gone. Contact Public Safety for help if needed.
• 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.
• 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

• Don't carry a lot of cash; use traveler’s checks and credit cards. Keep a record of traveler’s checks and credit card numbers in a safe place.
• Save the telephone numbers to call in case your checks or credit cards are stolen.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Plan your day's schedule including how you'll get there.
• Try to blend in; 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.