Going on Vacation? Remember These Tips
If you are planning on being out of town or going on vacation for a period of time, contact Officer James Ghrist (at 836-6639 or jghrist@munster.org) and provide them with the following information:
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Your name
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Home address
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Time period that you will be gone
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Who is allowed at the residence while you are gone
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How/where we can reach you
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Emergency contact number
If you are a Crime Watch Group member, you are not required to inform your Block Captain but you are encouraged to let the Munster Police Department know so that our officers are aware of your absence. The information that you provide will be forwarded to the patrol cars and will be listed in our system in case a call is dispatched to your home during your absence.
Please also remember the following safety tips when going on vacation:
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Aside from informing the Police Department, let a trusted neighbor or neighbors know that you will be gone so that they can help watch out for your home while you are away. You can also inform your Block Captain (if applicable) so that the Watch Group knows of your absence. The Munster Police Department will not inform your Block Captain unless you instruct us to do so.
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Arrange for your newspapers and mail to be picked up by a friend or neighbor. If this is not possible, have it stopped while you are away.
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Have a trusted neighbor shovel your driveway or mow your lawn if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time. This will help make it seem as if someone is at home.
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Use timed lights in the exterior and interior of your home. A dark, vacant home is a prime target for burglars.
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Have a trusted neighbor park their car in your driveway while you are away. Remember to let the police department know that you will be doing this along with the description of the vehicle being parked there.
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Never leave a message on your answering machine announcing your absence or a date that you will return.
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