Historical June 1985 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
When planning your vacation trip for this summer, devoting some extra time to a few security measures can help to assure you of returning to an undisturbed home. Sgt. Charlie Metzner, St. Louis Police Department liaison to Operation SafeStreet, offers the following tips: 1. Take a few minutes, stop by your local police district station and fill out a vacation checklist form.
The patrol car assigned to your area will check your home randomly day and night. 2. Have a close friend or neighbor check your house regularly. That person can alternate the lights in different rooms and change shades and blinds to give your home an “at-home” look. Ask the friend to remove the circulars from your porch and yard. 3.
If you are only gone for two or three days, you could have your neighbor or friend collect your mail and newspapers.
If you are going to be gone for a longer period, it would be a good suggestion to cancel your mail and paper deliveries for the length of your trip. 4. Make arrangements to have your lawn taken care of while you are away. 5. Let your neighbor know where you can be reached. Don’t hide a key outside.
If a burglary is discovered while you are away, ask your neighbor to call the police immediately and then get in touch with you. 6. Bring everything inside. Lawn furniture, toys, tools, and bicycles should be stored indoors.
The garage should be closed and locked. 7. Remove valuable articles from places where they can easily be seen through windows. 8. Give your home a security survey before you leave. Find weak areas and strengthen their security. 9. Don’t discuss your plans publicly or in a newspaper. Talk about your good time after you return.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, June 1985.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1985_06.pdf, printed page(s) 3; PDF page(s) 3.
