Traveling for the Holidays? Magnolia Springs Residents Reminded to Sign Up for Montgomery County Sheriff’s Vacation Watch Program
As Magnolia Springs families gear up to visit loved ones or head out for a much-needed holiday break, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to take an important step before packing the car: sign up for the Vacation Watch program.
This free, community-focused service allows uniformed deputies to check in on your home while you’re away. Officers will perform daily drive-by inspections, checking doors, windows, and surroundings for any signs of suspicious activity. If anything seems out of place, the Sheriff's Office will contact you right away.
How to Register
Signing up is simple and takes just a few minutes. Residents can visit the official Vacation Watch page at:
mctxsheriff.org/divisions/executive_division/communications/vacationwatch.php
Just complete the online form with your departure and return dates, emergency contact details, and any specific instructions (such as lights on timers or neighbors stopping by). Officials recommend registering at least 48 hours in advance to ensure timely processing.
Mobile Sidebar Ad
Why Holiday Home Protection Matters
Crime tends to increase during the holiday season, particularly in the weeks surrounding Christmas and New Year’s. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) and FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data, property crime—including burglaries, thefts, and package thefts—spikes significantly during the holiday period, with home burglaries seeing a 20% increase in December alone. The primary reasons include:
- Vacant homes while residents travel
- Visible holiday packages or deliveries left unattended
- Shorter daylight hours creating more cover for criminal activity
The Vacation Watch program is designed to help deter these incidents before they happen—adding peace of mind for Magnolia Springs residents while reinforcing neighborhood safety during a vulnerable time.
By registering your home with the Vacation Watch program, you're not only protecting your property—you’re also helping deputies prioritize their patrols and focus efforts on vacant homes.
Tips for a Safe and Secure Holiday Trip
Along with signing up for Vacation Watch, consider these simple steps:
- Use light timers to make your home appear occupied
- Hold mail and newspaper deliveries or ask a neighbor to collect them
- Secure all doors and windows, even those on upper levels
- Avoid posting travel plans publicly on social media
Whether you’re heading to see family or taking a winter vacation, don’t leave your home unprotected. Magnolia Springs residents can take advantage of this free, local resource from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office to enjoy the holidays with a little more peace of mind.
Stay safe, travel well, and happy holidays to the Magnolia Springs community!
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.
