If you're planning on leaving town this summer, use our checklist to help prepare your property for when you leave.

- Fill out the Vacation Watch Form and send it to the CPPD so we can keep an eye on your house.

- Have good locks on all doors and windows and USE THEM!

- Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you're away. It's a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.

- Leave a house key with someone you trust in case something happens while you're gone or you lose your key while away. NEVER leave your house key hidden outside your home.

- Stop all deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers and packages.

- Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived-in look. - Plug in timers to turn lights, a radio or television on and off at appropriate times. This helps to disguise the fact that you are away. - Turn the bell or ringer on your telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won't be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.

- Don't announce your absence on answering machine messages.

- Leave your blinds, shades and curtains in a normal position. Don't close them unless that is what you do when you are home.

- Close and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway.

- If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parkedoutside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.

- Secure storage sheds, attic entrances and gates. - Transfer valuables to a safety deposit box. - Tell someone you trust where you are going and which route you are using to get there. This will help if we need to locate you incase of any emergency. Those are just some ideas to get you started. You can print out the check list below to help remind you what to do around the house before leaving.

Checking these areas of your residence may not prevent a burglary or other crime against you or your residence. However, it may reduce the chances of you or your family becoming a crime statistic.

CHECK ALL DOOR LOCKS
Doors to check:
Front Door
Rear/Side Door
Rear/Side Door #2
Patio Door
House/Garage Divider Door
Garage Access Door
Storm Doors
Sunroom/Porch Door
Garage Door
Garage Door #2
Fence Gates
Out Building/Storage Areas

CHECK ALL WINDOW LOCKS
Rooms to check windows:
Master Bedroom
Bedroom #2
Bedroom #3
Bedroom #4
Bedroom #5
Master Bath
Bath #2
Bath #3
Kitchen
Den/Family Room
Living Room
Dining Room
Basement
Garage
Out Building
Other

Check the Operation of:
Security System
Inside Sensor Lights
Electric Timer for Lights, TV or Radio
Outside Sensor Lights
Other Security Lights

Turn off or Adjust Settings of:
Heating/Cooling Units
Kitchen Stove/Oven
Water to Washing Machine
Coffee Maker, Iron, Curling Iron, Etc.

Miscellaneous:
Is your up-dated property inventory in a safe place?
Have you secured all weapons and valuables and locked all safes?
Did you leave a vehicle parked in your driveway?

Have you informed...
Local Law Enforcement Agency
Security/Alarm Monitoring Co.
Landlord/Apartment Manager
Neighbor or Relative

Does Someone Have ...?
Phone/Address list of your Location(s)
Code to your Security System
Keys to your Home and other Locks

Is Someone...?
Picking up your mail or have you requested stop delivery?
Picking up your newspaper or have you requested stop delivery?
Taking your trash can(s) to the curb to provide the appearance that someone is home?
Mowing your lawn to provide the appearance that someone is home?
Taking care of your pets?

If you have any other questions about how you can prepare for leaving town feel free to call 219-663-2131 or e-mail cppolice@cppolice.com

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