With the holiday season in full swing, many Harris County residents will be heading out of town to visit family, take a vacation, or simply escape for some time away over the holidays. One of the best ways to ensure your home is safe while you're gone is to take advantage of the Vacation Watch program offered by Harris County Constable Precinct 5. This free service helps provide extra security to your property while you are away, allowing deputies to keep a watchful eye on your home during their regular patrols.

How Vacation Watch Works

If you live in a Precinct 5 Contracted Patrol Area, you can submit a Vacation Watch Request whenever you'll be away for more than a day. By doing so, you're notifying local deputies to monitor your property more closely while you’re out of town.

Signing Up for Vacation Watch

There are two easy ways to request a vacation watch:

1. Online Form: The quickest and most convenient way to submit your request is through the online Vacation Watchform.

2. Call Dispatch: If you prefer, you can contact the Precinct 5 Dispatch Office at 281-463-6666. A deputy can come to your home and take the request in person.

If you’re unsure whether you live within a Precinct 5 Contracted Patrol Area, simply call Dispatch at 281-463-6666, and they’ll be happy to assist you.

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Helpful Tips for a Safe Holiday Trip

In addition to the Vacation Watch request, Constable Precinct 5 offers several safety tips to ensure your home is secure while you're away:

1. Alarm Systems: If you have an alarm system, notify your alarm company to list Harris County Constable Precinct 5 as the primary contact. This ensures law enforcement is dispatched immediately if your alarm is triggered.

2. Lighting: Use timers for indoor lights to create the appearance that someone is home. Exterior lights equipped with dusk-to-dawn sensors are a great option. However, avoid leaving exterior lights on during the day, as this can signal to burglars that no one is home.

3. Vehicles: Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle, especially if your car will be parked in the driveway. If no cars are parked in front of your house, ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway to make it appear as if someone is home.

4. Pet Care: If you have pets, arrange for someone to take care of them while you’re gone. Ensure your pets have up-to-date identification tags with your current contact information, so they can be easily returned to you if they get lost.

5. Visitors: To make your home look lived-in, consider having a trusted friend or family member "house-sit" for you. This can take care of several things, from feeding pets to parking a car in your driveway.

6. Emergency Contact: It’s always a good idea to provide an emergency contact who lives nearby, just in case an issue arises while you're away.

Important Notes

• Submit Requests Early: To ensure that your vacation watch request is received in time, please submit your request at least three days before you leave. If you're within three days of your departure, don’t worry—just submit your request online and call dispatch at 281-463-6666 to expedite the process.

• Not in Precinct 5? If you live outside a Precinct 5 Contracted Patrol Area, you can still sign up for a Vacation Watch through the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Just visit their website and fill out the form at Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vacation Watch.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy your holidays with peace of mind, knowing that your home is being monitored by local law enforcement.

For more information about the Vacation Watch program, or to submit your request, visit Harris County ConstablePrecinct 5 Vacation Watch. Safe travels and happy holidays!

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.