Dublin Police Keep Homes Safe While Residents Play

Police officers will clock extra hours to keep residents safe this summer, 10TV’s Kristyn Hartman reported on Friday.

The operations commander for Dublin police, Lt. John DeJarnette, said that for decades, police have provided an extra measure of protection for free when residents are out of town.  All they have to do is sign up by calling or going online. 

"Probably the house would be checked at least two or three times during that week," DeJarnette said.

Police drive past the property, then get out and take a look. They check windows and doors to make sure that they are locked.  While they have never found that a home has been burglarized, they have gotten other surprises.

"A water main had broken inside the house. And so we got there and it was water leaking out the front door.  Obviously, there was damage, but there probably would have been a lot more damage had it gone on for the whole week that they were gone."

Wendy Faust used the service for the first time this spring, Hartman reported.

“We normally have someone stay at our home,” Faust said. “This year we did not. It, to me on vacation, gave me peace of mind.”

Police want to know if cars will be in the driveway, if lights or TVs are on timers and where they are located, Hartman reported. They also request information about who has keys to the home.

Police also suggest that homeowners alert neighbors about their trips, so they, too, can keep eyes on residents’ properties.

"Between good neighbors and the police looking out for you, you should be able to go and enjoy your vacation,”DeJarnette said.

Many cities, including Hilliard, Worthington, Westerville, Reynoldsburg, Clintonville and Obetz, offer the service, Hartman reported.

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