NORTH Vancouver RCMP are hoping a few extra watchful eyes will help keep local homes safe while their owners are away on vacation this summer.
Under the newly launched Vacation Home Check program, trained volunteers from the community policing division will keep an eye out for trouble while driving by the homes of residents who sign up for the program.
The volunteers, driving a marked community policing vehicle, will check for open windows and doors, verify that lights on timers have come on, and scan the property for signs of suspicious activity. If anything seems out of place, volunteers can ask a contact designated by the homeowner to come by or, if necessary, report their findings to the police.
The volunteers will not be able to leave their vehicles or check apartments or strata buildings.
"This preventative program is part of the RCMP's Safe Homes, Safe Communities initiative. Summer is the time when people go away leaving their house vulnerable," said Cpl. Richard De Jong, "We encourage everyone to be extra vigilant and take precautions by educating themselves."
Other strategies residents can follow to prevent burglaries include: keeping doors locked even when you're just in the backyard; arranging for someone help make your home look "lived in" if you are going to be away for a long time; keeping vehicles locked, even when they are parked in a carport, installing indoor light timers and outdoor motion sensor lights; and keeping your vacation plans off social networks like Facebook, to prevent strangers from knowing when your house will be unattended.
To sign up for Vacation Home Check, contact Rachael Cormier, office coordinator at the Lonsdale Community Policing Centre at 604-969-7465.
