Police: Safeguard Your Homes During Spring Break

During Spring Break many residents head out of town, creating more opportunities for burglars looking for an empty house.

In an effort to keep crime to a minimum, the Newport Beach Police Department is reminding residents to make sure their homes are safe during a Spring Break getaway.

• Sign up for a “Vacation Check” with the Newport Beach Police Department, prior to leaving on your vacation. There are two ways you can sign up: Visit nbpd.org, select “Online Services” then "Vacation Check" or Call the Police Department’s business line at 949-644-3717 and request a “Vacation Check.” 
• Always close and lock ALL windows and doors! Don’t forget your exterior garage door too. 
• Make sure your home is well-lit both inside and out! Inside – place lamps and a radio on timers. The timers should be set to go on and off as though someone is home. Set your radio to a talk station, and allow it to come on both during the day as well as in the evening. Exterior – all porch lights should go on at dusk and off at dawn automatically, with the use of a timer or photo cell. Consider using motion detector lighting within courtyards, over bedroom windows, and along the sides of the house.
• Adjust blinds and draperies to make your home appear occupied. 
• Arrange for a friend or neighbor to check on your home regularly. This includes picking up your newspaper and bringing in your mail. This is far better than placing a hold on your mail or canceling the paper. The less people who know you are away, the better! Ask neighbors not to tell strangers or repairmen of your absence. 
• If you have a delivery scheduled to arrive while you are away, arrange for a neighbor to retrieve the package for you so that it is not left sitting at your front door. 
• Arrange to have your lawn mowed while you are away and your trashcans taken to the curb on trash day. 
• Ask your neighbor to park in your driveway, if it’s convenient. Once again, giving the appearance that someone is home. 
• Never hide a key outside! Instead consider providing a key to a trusted neighbor or friend in case of an emergency. 
• Put jewelry, watches, and other items of value in a safe deposit box or hide them in a safe place – these items should NOT be stored in your master bedroom. 
• Electronics are often a target for burglars so store iPads and laptops out of plain sight. 
• If you have a safe, big or small, it should be bolted in place. 
• Never leave a note on the door, indicating you are away. 
• Never leave a message on your answering machine indicating that you are away. 
• While on vacation, be careful not to advertise you are away by posting photos on social networking sites like facebook. 
• Remember, burglars are looking for an empty house, always make sure your home looks occupied when you are away!