TEHACHAPI, Calif. — This summer AAA said about two-thirds of Americans will take a family vacation. For those in Tehachapi the police suggest a quick trip to see them before they leave.
Key Budge is the community relations specialist for Tehachapi. He said, "Tehachapi Police Department offers the residents vacation checks. So if you're going on vacation, whether it's a day, two weeks, two months, you can go ahead and sign up for free."
To sign up for a vacation check you need to give your contact information to Tehachapi Police along with your address and days you'll be gone. Don't worry officers said that information will remain confidential.
Matthew Murphy works in dispatch for TPD. He said, "It gives us better contact information in the event that crime occurs at your house, so that we can contact you to inform you that criminal activity is happening at your house."
While the family is gone Tehachapi Police will drive past your home more often and look for suspicious activity. If they spot something they know how to get in touch with you.
"It provides a better proactive response with first responders with knowing who's away from their home and who isn't," said Murphy.
The goal is to have more eyes watching the neighborhoods, giving less opportunities to would be criminals this summer.
"If they see more visible presence," said Budge, "it just shows that there's less opportunity to commit a crime. Opportunity is what criminals are looking for. If you can reduce that opportunity you're going to reduce crime."
Budge said, when officers are not on a call they will check the vacation check log and see what homes they can drive by and check on when they're free. Also the vacation checks apply for stores that will be closed for the season or an extended period of time.
To sign up for a vacation check visit the Tehachapi website, or visit the Tehachapi Police station at 220 W C Street.
