In order to meet the needs of our community members, the Albemarle County Police Department offers house checks. Officers will periodically check, when not responding to calls for service or other required duties, the exterior of your home while you are away. This service helps to deter potential burglars and provides for additional security while your house is unoccupied.

The following houses are not eligible for this service.

• Houses permanently unoccupied or under construction.
• Houses unoccupied and listed for sale/show by realtors.
• Houses where the owner has hired or appointed another person to periodically be there.

Simple Vacation Crime Prevention Tips to Protect Your Home

• Don't announce your vacation plans though social media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). Wait until you return to share your trip.
• Use timers on interior and exterior lights.
• Stop mail and newspaper deliveries or have a trusted friend or neighbor collect them. Uncollected mail and newspapers can be a clue that a home is unoccupied.
• Don’t leave a Hide-A-Key around. Instead, consider leaving a key with a trusted neighbor or friend.
• Disconnect your garage door or consider a manual lock.