Vacation is supposed to be a time to let go, relax and have fun.
However, observant and opportunistic thieves can leave you heading back to reality with problems rather than a tan and a fresh attitude.
There are steps vacationers can take to keep from worrying about the safety and security of their homes while away.
Monongalia County Sheriff Perry Palmer said his department offers vacation watch services, where a deputy will check on a home once a shift, or three times a day.
Palmer said the vacation watch program is very popular and deputies even sign a log verifying the check so people can see when their home was checked up on. While the odds of catching anything in the act are slim, it’s easy to see if anything has been tampered with.
Signing up for vacation watch is simple — just visit the department on Walnut Street and fill out a form. The form needs information such as if there will be cars in the driveway, if people are supposed to visit and take care of pets, and contact information.
The Morgantown Police Department also offers vacation watch services. People interested can call 304-284-7522 or fill out the form online.
In addition to signing up for vacation watch, there are a number of common sense steps people can take to reduce the likelihood of a break-in prior to going on vacation, Palmer said.
Before leaving, contact the United States Postal Service and put a hold on your mail, he said. If someone is expecting a package from FedEx or a similar delivery service, they should try to have a neighbor grab it for them.
Speaking of neighbors, Palmer said talk with yours, assuming you’re on good terms. Let them know you’ll be gone, and ask them to keep an eye on the place.
Obviously, one should make sure doors and windows are locked and leaving a light and radio or TV on — if they aren’t programmable to turn on for a few hours in the evening — is a good idea.
With the rise of social media, a clever burglar can notice vacation announcements or photos and take advantage of the opportunity, Palmer said. He advised waiting until you’re back home to post pictures of a trip.
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said some criminals take an extra step and offer free vacations or “truly unbelievable” deals on vacations to get people away from their homes. In addition to any money paid for the vacation, the thief now knows when you’ll be gone and can burglarize your home.
“If it’s too good to be true, it isn’t,” Palmer said.
