Gotta Get Away? Keep Your Home Safe in RB While You're Away

As summer approaches, people take advantage of the sunny weather to do outdoor projects, take their families to fun places, relax and keep cool. For criminals, however, it's a very busy time of year.

It can be easy to forget to close a door or window, but if they are left open it creates an easy opportunity for a burglar. Criminals focus on easy targets; make it difficult for them to choose you. The San Diego Sheriff's Department wants to remind you of some tips to keep yourself, your family, your home and your valuables safe.

Always lock your doors and windows especially at night and when you're away.

Close your garage and pet doors.

Secure ladders and tools so they can't be used to gain entry into your home.

Be wary of anyone who approaches your front door and don't let them take up too much of your time. Criminals work together; one will come to your door and distract you while the other sneaks into your home. Ask for an ID of a utility person. 

Be a good neighbor, lookout for one another. 

Excessive dog barking could be a sign of an intruder and may warrant a call to the Sheriff's Department. 

Report suspicious activity to the Sheriff's non‐emergency line 858-565‐5200.

Sheriff's Crime Prevention Specialists offer a free security check to show vulnerabilities in your home. Call your local Station or Substation.

When going on vacation

Lock up your home, activate your alarm.

Don't broadcast your plans on social media.

Hold the delivery of your mail and newspaper or ask a trusted friend to pick them up for you.

Buy a timer for your lights and set them in a random pattern.

Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. 

Sign up for a FREE vacation check so Sheriff's Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) members can keep an eye on your home. Visitsdsheriff.net.

Car Safety

Never leave your car running unattended, even to dash into a store.

Always roll up your windows and lock your car even in hot weather.

Never leave valuables in plain sight. 

Park cars in well‐lit areas.

Never leave any keys in the car or ignition.

-San Diego County Sheriff's news release