Headed Out of Town for the Holidays? Here’s How to Keep Your Home Safe with Harris County Constable Precinct 4’s Vacation Watch
As the holiday season approaches, many local families are finalizing plans for Thanksgiving road trips and Christmas visits with loved ones. Whether you're flying out to see family or hitting the road for a winter getaway, there's one simple step you can take to help protect your home while you're gone: sign up for the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Vacation Watch Program.
This free service—offered year-round by Constable Mark Herman’s Office—provides an extra layer of peace of mind for residents by having deputies conduct random checks on registered homes while the owners are away.
How the Vacation Watch Program Works
Residents of neighborhoods served by Harris County Constable Precinct 4, including Oak Cliff Place, can submit a Vacation Watch Request online at constablepct4.com/vacation-watch-request.html. After registering, deputies will periodically patrol the exterior of your home during your specified travel dates.
These checks happen at random times, day or night, and without prior notice, adding an effective deterrent for would-be criminals and offering reassurance to homeowners.
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The online form will ask for:
- Your name, contact info, and address
- Vacation dates (departure and return)
- Info on any lights or vehicles left at the residence
- Alarm company details (if applicable)
- Contact info for anyone authorized to be on your property
- Notes about pets or other important details deputies should know
Residents must confirm that they are the legal occupant or authorized party to submit the request, and agree to notify the Constable’s Office if their travel plans change.
Why It Matters During the Holidays
With so many homes sitting empty during peak travel weeks, neighborhoods can become prime targets for package theft and home burglaries. Programs like this one are a vital partnership between local law enforcement and the community, designed to reduce crime and keep neighborhoods safe.
The holidays are also a peak time for deliveries, mail, and other signs of activity—or inactivity—around the home. Letting deputies know your home is vacant can help prevent suspicious activity from going unnoticed.
It’s important to note that while this program offers valuable oversight, it does not replace a monitored home security system or other personal safety practices. Residents are still encouraged to set alarms, pause mail delivery, and let a trusted neighbor know they’ll be gone.
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How to Sign Up
Oak Cliff Place residents can submit their Vacation Watch Request online at constablepct4.com/vacation-watch-request.html.
If plans change, you must call the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office at 281-376-3472 to cancel or adjust your request.
So whether you’re heading to grandma’s house for turkey or catching a flight for a snowy Christmas, take a few minutes to register your home with the Precinct 4 Vacation Watch program. It’s a small step that can make a big difference!
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more holiday travel safety tips and local public service announcements from Harris County.
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.
