Vacation Watch

The Philomath Police Department offers free vacation/security checks. Complete the Vacation/Security Check Request Form and submit it to the Philomath Police Department at:

1010 Applegate Street
or mail to: PO Box 400, Philomath OR 97370
or fax to: (541) 929-6037

Other vacation/home security tips:

• Create the illusion that you're at home by getting timers that will turn lights on and off. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house.
• Do not let your mail or newspapers pile up. Stop delivery or have a neighbor pick them up.
• Instead of hiding keys around the outside of your home, give an extra key to a neighbor you can trust.
• Install outside lights and keep them on at night.
• Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery and cut back tree limbs from near your home.
• Clearly display your house number so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.
• Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed dead bolt lock.
• Sliding glass doors can be secured by putting a broomstick handle or a dowel in the inside track to jam the door.
• Lock double-hung windows with key locks or pin windows by drilling a small hole into a 45-degree angle between the inner and outer frames, then insert a nail that can be removed.
• Sliding windows can be secured by putting a dowel in the track.
• When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.
• All outside doors should be metal or solid wood.
• Install a peephole in all entry doors. Door chains break easily and do not keep intruders out.
• Consider purchasing an alarm system. Shop around not all alarms or alarm companies are created equal.
• Less expensive options include-sound detection plugs and motion-sensing devices.