Free vacation check program helps protect your home

If you plan to be away from home for a few days or more, it's always a good idea to ask for a free vacation check from the Lakewood Sheriff's Station.

The program involves Lakewood Sheriff’s Volunteers on Patrol (VOP’s) monitoring your house while you are away.

How to request a vacation check

If possible, request a vacation check at least a week before your trip.

You can either:

• Call Lakewood Station at 562-623-3500 to request a vacation check.
• Complete the Vacation Request form and email it to Lakewood Station at LakewoodVacationChecks@lasd.org.

Be sure to provide specific details, such as:

• How many cars should be in your driveway while you're gone.
• Which lights should be on, and at what times. 
• Any other details to help patrols tell when something is amiss.

Prepare your home for your time away

Making your home look occupied is a key to vacation preparation.

• Put timers on interior lights
• Leave a radio on a talk station
• Request a stop on your mail and newspapers, or have a friend or a trusted neighbor pick them up.

Consider having a friend or family member “house sit” if you are gone for more than a few days.

“Keeping your block captain and close neighbors in the loop is important, too,” says Valerie Vaca, who helps coordinate Lakewood’s Neighborhood Watch program. “They can all be on the lookout for unusual or suspicious activity around your home while you’re away. And, they’ll be especially sensitive to what’s normal on your block.”

Neighbors are encouraged to call the Lakewood Sheriff Station's 24-hour business line at 562-623-3500 to report anything out of the ordinary.