As the Christmas season arrives and families across Vcl Lakeside prepare to travel near and far, the Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Office, led by Constable Mark Herman, is reminding residents to take advantage of its free Vacation Watch Program—a simple, effective way to help protect your home during the holidays.

Whether you're going out of state to see family or taking a much-needed vacation, this no-cost service helps ensure your property is regularly monitored while you’re away.

What Is the Precinct 4 Vacation Watch Program?

The Vacation Watch Program is a year-round community service provided by the Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Office. While you’re traveling, deputies from Constable Herman’s team will perform random patrol checks of your home’s exterior. These visits happen at unannounced times—both day and night—to serve as a visible deterrent to crime and offer peace of mind to traveling residents.

The program is open to residents in neighborhoods covered by Precinct 4, including those in Vcl Lakeside.

How It Works

Signing up is easy and takes just a few minutes online. Once registered, deputies will patrol your home during the dates you provide. Here's what the online form includes:

• Your name, contact details, and address
• Dates you’ll be away (departure and return)
• Details about any lights left on or vehicles at the home
• Alarm system information (if applicable)
• Names and contact info for anyone who may be on your property
• Notes about pets or other important instructions

Residents must confirm they are the legal occupant and agree to notify the Constable’s Office if plans change.

• To register, visit constablepct4.com/vacation-watch-request.html

• To cancel or update your request, call Precinct 4 at 281-376-3472 

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Why Vacation Watch Matters During the Holidays

Deter Theft and Break-Ins During Peak Travel Weeks

Christmas is one of the busiest travel times of the year, which unfortunately means more homes are left unoccupied—creating easy targets for burglars and package thieves. Routine patrols by uniformed deputies increase neighborhood visibility and help reduce criminal activity.

Add a Layer of Protection to Your Holiday Travel Plans

While security cameras and alarms are great tools, the Vacation Watch Program adds the benefit of real human eyes on your property—especially valuable during high-delivery periods and when outward signs of absence (like stacked mail or empty driveways) are more obvious.

Strengthen Community Partnerships with Law Enforcement

Programs like this deepen the connection between Precinct 4 deputies and the neighborhoods they serve, building trust while providing proactive crime prevention throughout the holiday season.

Tips for a Safer Trip

While the Vacation Watch Program is a great resource, it works best when combined with other safety measures:

• Set timers on lights to give the appearance someone is home
• Pause mail and newspaper deliveries
• Let a trusted neighbor know your travel dates
• Ensure doors, windows, and garages are securely locked

Peace of Mind This Christmas

Whether you’re headed to grandma’s for a festive feast or jetting off for a winter getaway, don’t forget to take this simple step to protect your home.

The Precinct 4 Vacation Watch Program is free, easy to use, and helps keep Vcl Lakeside a safer place for all during the holiday season.

For more community safety updates and seasonal resources, stay connected with My Neighborhood News and local announcements from Harris County Constable Precinct 4.

Wishing you a joyful and secure Christmas season!

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.