Sign up with police to have house watched while out of town

The Barrington Police Department is reminding residents to file a "Vacation House Watch" request before they leave town for a spring break vacation. The forms are available on the village of Barrington Web site at barrington-il.gov or at the Public Safety Building located at 400 N. Northwest Highway.

"History has shown that home burglaries tend to increase around this time of year as many go out of town and leave their houses unoccupied," said Chief of Police Jerry Libit. "The Barrington Police Department will make routine checks on your house while you are away and all you have to do is simply fill out the request. This is an easy step to take to ensure that your home is being watched while you are away."

"Spring break vacations are a time to relax and have fun," Libit said. "Let us help to make your time away more carefree by participating in the House Watch program."

Following are some additional tips to keep your home safe while you are out of town:

• Arrange with a neighbor to pick up and hold your mail and newspapers so they don't pile up. If this is not possible, make arrangements with the post office and the newspaper carrier to stop all deliveries.

• Notify a trusted neighbor of your vacation plans. They can report suspicious activity to the police or to you while you are away.

• Secure your home - lock all windows and doors, including the garage door. Make sure that a "Charley bar" is secure on sliding doors, and that all screens or storm windows are locked or fastened.

• Place timers on your interior lighting, televisions or radios. This gives the appearance of life inside the home at night.

• Make sure all outside entrances - front, back and side - have good lighting.

• If you have valuables in the house, take them to your bank for storage in a safety deposit box. Deposit extra cash in your bank account.

• Move all ladders, tools, lawn implements, garbage cans and yard furniture to your garage, basement or storage shed.

• Close your fireplace flue to prevent birds or animals from entering.

• Put window shades in normal daytime position and make sure all main floor drapes, shades and curtains are arranged so that neighbors and police can see into your house.

• If you are leaving a vehicle in your driveway, make sure it is locked.

• Take a walk around the outside of the house before you leave. Check the doors and windows.

• Leave a key with a neighbor or relative. Make sure you have their phone number.

For more information please contact the police department at

(847) 304-3300.