Officers offer extra eyes to vacationing homeowners
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LEXINGTON, Tenn. — As homeowners jet set for summer vacations, leaving empty houses behind, possible prowlers could hunt for their next score. That is why police departments like Lexington’s offer a house watch program as part of daily patrols. “People really do need a policeman patrol around here, cause I think people work so hard for their stuff to anybody can just come in and, you know, just take over,” Alice Parker said. Parker said she didn’t know the patrol program existed but plans on using it for future travels. If requested, Lexington officers said they’ll come by your house three times each day while homeowners are away. Officers said they do more than just drive by the home. They actually get out and look around, unless the homeowner requests something different, Capt. Jeff Middleton with the Lexington Police Department told WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News. Darlene Dyer is a realtor and has used the house watch program. “I’ve asked many times if they would keep an eye on that property, and they always have,” she said. Beyond patrols, one homeowner recommends taking safety steps a bit further. “I would have a light on, either a timer or something,” Jolene Myracle said. “Maybe even a couple in different places in the house.” Lexington police said the extra patrols come at no added cost to taxpayers. They’re accounted for in the annual budget. Contact your local law enforcement to see if the service is available in your area.
