Crime & Safety

Tampa Police to South Tampa Residents: Don't Be A Vacation Victim

Find out how to avoid residential burglaries with some tips from police.

From the Tampa Police Department:

School is almost out for the summer, and that means vacations for lots of families. But take precautions before leaving home. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, residential burglaries increase 10 - 18 percent during the summer when many families are away.

Below are some tips to avoid residential burglaries.

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Give your house a lived-in look.

  • Put automatic timers on several lights on each level of your home, on a radio and on the television. Set the timers so the lights and appliances will turn on and off randomly.
  • Leave shades and blinds in the same positions they are in when you are at home.
  • Arrange to have your lawn mowed while you're away.
  • Install dusk-to-dawn or motion sensor lights on all outdoor lights.
  • Have a neighbor get your mail and any deliveries, or have the post office hold them until you return.

Don't post your plans on social media sites.

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  • Leave your contact and itinerary information with a trusted neighbor and ask that neighbor to keep an eye on your property.
  • Don't turn on email auto-reply to indicate you are not home.

Make sure your home is secure when you leave.

  • Lock all outside doors with deadbolt locks.
  • Lock your windows and the garage door.
  • Make sure your smoke and burglar alarms are functioning properly.
  • Place metal rods in the tracks of sliding windows and doors for extra security.
  • Securely fasten pet entrances onto your patio.
  • Make a home inventory list complete with photos and video.

Inform as few people as possible of your vacation plans. Complete a vacation watch form for the Tampa Police Department. The information you provide will be given to the officers that patrol your neighborhood. The day after your date of return, the form is destroyed.


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