Vacation Safety Tips
- Let a neighbor and/or block captain know you’ll be out of town and when you’ll return. They should have the following: your emergency contact information; contact information for anyone with access to your house (pet sitter, etc.); when they should be expected; what they look like and a description of their vehicle(s).
- Let only those who NEED to know, know when you are going out of town.
- Don’t share vacation plans OR photos on social media.
- Arrange to have your lawn cared for if you are going to be away.
- Don’t hide keys under doormats, flowerpots or in similar places.
- Put your lights, stereo and/or TV on timers.
- Leave a car in the driveway or ask a neighbor to park in it.
- Don’t cancel your paper or mail deliveries; ask that your neighbor pick them up every day.
- Leave a key with a friend or neighbor; ask that the house be checked at regular intervals.
- Keep your house well lit at night (backyard included) with a motion sensor or photocell activated light.
- Store all your valuables.
- Consider asking friends or relatives to live in your home while you are away.
- Ask your neighbor to put trash in your trashcan and to put it out for collection and away when they put theirs away.
File a Close Patrol Request. The filing of this form alerts patrolling officers so that they may pay close attention to one’s residence. To do so: Contact the Travis County Sheriff’s Office at 512-854-9721. Ask to make a Close Patrol Request. You will be asked for information on those caring for your home while you’re away: make and model of their vehicles, name, description and times they should be at your home.