If Cape Girardeau residents leave their homes during the holidays, they can call or sign up at the station to have Cape Girardeau police officers or Cape Girardeau County sheriff's deputies periodically check their homes for burglaries.

The vacation house-check program is offered year-round, and residents can specify whether anyone is supposed to be on the property or whether there are supposed to be cars in the driveway, Cape Girardeau Police Department public information officer Adam Glueck said.

If officers find a problem, they can call the resident using the phone number he or she provides, Glueck said.

"This program assists officers when they respond to a residence," Glueck said. "However, it is not a specific promise of protection for someone's home."

Cape Girardeau County public information officer David James said Cape Girardeau County has a similar program in which officers will check residents' homes between calls. Cape Girardeau County also has designated neighborhood watch areas, James said.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department also recommends these measures to assist police:

• Give the impression someone is home by setting lights to a timer or leaving a vehicle in the driveway.
• Cancel mail or newspaper service until returning. These items stacking up can alert a thief the resident is gone for an extended period.
• Do not tell everyone you're leaving -- especially on social media.
• If you notice your home has been disturbed when coming back, call the police and refrain from going inside until police can collect evidence.

James recommends having a family member, friend or neighbor check your home and lock up valuables.

bkleine@semissourian.com

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