Submitted by the San Diego County Sheriff's Department
As summer approaches, people take advantage of the sunny weather to do outdoor projects, take their families to fun places, relax and keep cool. For criminals, however, it's a very busy time of year.
It can be easy to forget to close a door or window, but if they are left open it creates aneasy opportunity for a burglar. Criminals focus on easy targets; make it difficult for them to choose you. The San Diego Sheriff's Department wants to remind you of some tips to keep yourself, your family, your home and your valuables safe.
The first big tip from is to take advantage of free vacation checks offered by the Sheriff's Department.
The Sheriff’s Department offers free vacationchecks year‐round. Let them know when you’re leaving anda member of the Sheriff's Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) will perform security inspections outside your home Monday through Saturday.
They will check if your doors, windows and garage are locked. They will also hide your newspapers and packagesin yourside fence or backpatio. Ifthey see anything suspicious, they will call forthe assistance of a deputy who will determine ifthere’sbeen a break in. Upon your return, you will get a welcome home letter listing the dates your home waschecked and observationsmade during the visits.
You can take advantage of this free service by completing a form that you can download by clicking here. The form must be submitted in person at your nearest Sheriff's Station or Substation to verify I.D.
At Home
- Always lock your doors and windows especially at night and when you're away
- Close your garage and pet doors
- Secure ladders and toolsso they can't be used to gain entry into your home
- Be wary of anyone who approaches your front door and don't let them take up toomuch of your time. Criminals work together; one will come to your door and distractyou while the othersneaksinto your home. Ask for an IDof a utility person.
- Be a good neighbor, look outfor one another.
- Excessive dog barking could be a sign of an intruder and may warrant a call to theSheriff'sDepartment.
- Reportsuspicious activity to the Sheriff's non‐emergency line (858) 565‐5200
- Sheriff's Crime Prevention Specialists offer a free security check to show vulnerabilitiesin your home. Call yourlocal Station or Substation.
- Lock up your home, activate your alarm
- Don't broadcast your plans on socialmedia
- Hold the delivery of your mail and newspaper or ask a trusted friend to pick them up for you
- Buy a timerfor yourlights and set themin a random pattern
- Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway
- Sign up for a FREE vacation check so Sheriff's Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) memberscan keep an eye on your home. Visit www.sdsheriff.net.
- Neverleave your carrunning unattended, even to dash into a store
- Alwaysroll up your windows and lock your car even in hot weather
- Neverleave valuablesin plain sight
- Park carsin well‐lit areas
- Neverleave any keysin the car or ignition
- Always wear a helmet
- Follow the rules ofthe road
- Ride with the flow oftraffic, not againstit
- Wear bright‐colored orreflective clothing
- If you're notriding, lock your bike
- Parents,set parameters on where kids are allowed to ride
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