Keep Your Home Safe Over Thanksgiving: Fort Bend County Vacation Watch Service Helps Prevent Break-Ins
As the holiday season approaches, many Fort Bend County residents are preparing to travel for Thanksgiving and other festivities. While enjoying time away, many homeowners worry about the safety and security of their homes. Fortunately, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office offers a valuable service for residents called Vacation House Watch, providing an extra layer of protection while you're away.
Why You Need Vacation Watch Services During the Holidays
During the holiday season, property crimes like burglary and theft tend to spike, making it an ideal time for criminals to target homes. According to the FBI, property crime rates rise during the holidays, especially between November and January. Criminals often seek out homes that appear empty, knowing that people will be away visiting family or traveling. With the increase in holiday shopping and valuable gifts in homes, burglars look for these opportunities to break into houses or cars.
Holiday-related car thefts also see an increase. Whether it’s gifts left in a car or valuables left visible, criminals are more likely to target unattended vehicles during the holidays. Protecting your home and car is crucial, and signing up for Vacation Watch with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office is a simple, effective way to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of holiday crime.
How Vacation House Watch Works
The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Vacation Watch service allows you to register your home for regular checks while you're away. Deputies will routinely inspect your property during their shifts, ensuring your home remains secure while you're traveling for the holidays. After your return, you’ll receive a report detailing the dates and times when your residence was checked.
Residents can sign up for Vacation Watch by visiting the official Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office website and filling out a Vacation House Watch form. Once you’ve registered, deputies will be assigned to your home and will perform regular patrols, paying attention to any signs of suspicious activity.
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How to Sign Up for Vacation House Watch
Here’s how you can sign up for Vacation House Watch and make sure your home is secure during the holiday season:
- Visit the official Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office website at this link.
- Complete the Vacation Watch registration form with your information and travel dates.
- Once registered, you will receive a House Watch Number, and deputies will begin monitoring your property.
- When you return, you’ll be mailed a report with specific details on when your property was checked.
It’s important to note that Vacation Watch services are limited to 14 consecutive days, and real estate properties (for sale, rental, or lease) are excluded. The service is free but limited to exterior checks—deputies will not enter the home.
Why Vacation House Watch is Crucial for Home Security
Utilizing the Vacation Watch service offers significant peace of mind. With more people traveling for the holidays, homes become attractive targets for burglars. By enrolling in this service, you help protect your home from opportunistic criminals who look for signs of an empty house. Deputies will conduct routine checks on your property to deter crime and report any suspicious activity.
The Vacation Watch program also reassures residents that law enforcement is keeping an eye on their property. While deputies cannot guarantee specific check times, they will make every effort to patrol your residence regularly.
Additional Benefits of Vacation Watch Services
While the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office cannot guarantee an exact time for each patrol, the presence of law enforcement in the area significantly reduces the likelihood of theft. Criminals tend to avoid homes that show signs of surveillance or police activity, making the Vacation Watch service an effective deterrent.
Final Thoughts
As the holidays approach, protecting your home is a priority. By signing up for the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Vacation Watch program, you’re taking a proactive step in safeguarding your property. The service is free and easy to use, and it’s an excellent way to ensure your home is monitored while you're away.
Need help? Call the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office at 281-341-4665 for assistance. For more tips on keeping your home and your property safe during the holidays, check out this guide recently published here on My Neighborhood News. Don’t let your home become a target this holiday season—sign up for Vacation Watch and enjoy peace of mind while you’re away.
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.
