Vacation is a time of fun and relaxation – don’t let thieves ruin your time away. If you are planning a holiday, complete a Vacant Home Patrol Application and drop it off at the Oak Bay Police Department. Time permitting, police will conduct perimeter checks and be on the lookout for any suspicious circumstances.  This service is intended for vacations from 3 days up to 30 days.

Please note that the Oak Bay Police Department and the District of Oak Bay do not assume any liability for loss or damage to property during your absence.  Homeowners must ensure all insurance requirement needs are met while the home is vacant.

Vacant Home Patrol Application

 

 

 

Be sure to have the following information ready: 

  • When you are leaving (date and time, if known)
  • When you expect to return (date and time, if known)
  • Your name, address, and phone number
  • Whether there will be any cars outside your residence while you are gone (include make, model and license number)
  • Who has permission to enter the residence while you are gone (i.e., pet feeders, water plants, etc.)
  • An emergency contact name and number Any other information you feel is important

Crime Prevention Tips:

  • Strive to make your home look as lived-in as possible while you’re away.
  • Don’t broadcast your plans, but do let your neighbours know that you’ll be gone.
  • Give a spare key to your neighbours and give them an emergency telephone number to reach you.
  • Arrange to have your mail and newspapers picked up daily (preferred) or have delivery stopped while you’re away.
  • Use automatic timers to turn on a radio, lights, etc., at different intervals.
  • Turn down the ringer on your telephone. An unanswered telephone is a dead giveaway.
  • Leave your blinds as you normally would if you were home.
  • Be sure to lock the garage as well as any storage sheds, gates, etc. It’s also a good idea to disconnect your garage door opener if you have one.
  • Ask your neighbour to occasionally park in your driveway and put out your garbage cans if you have curbside pickup. A neighbour can throw in a bag of trash.
  • Be sure someone knows your itinerary and estimated time of return.
  • Secure or hide all ladders that are in your yard.

For further information contact the Oak Bay Police at 250-592-2424