Vacation is a time of fun and relaxation. Don’t let thieves ruin your time away. If you are planning an extended vacation, please contact the Oak Bay Police Department and let us now when are you planning on being away from your home. This service will hopefully provide Oak Bay residents with some peace of mind during their summer vacation.

If you are interested in having your home registered with the Oak Bay Police Department while on vacation, please call 250.592.2424.

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

If you are looking for simple ways to reduce the chance of your holiday being ruined by crime, follow these 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 give away.
• 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 pick up. A neighbor 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.