HO, HO . . . O-NO !?!

By Aaron “Wally” Barger, Resident since 2012

www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com

The Holidays are truly a wonderful time of the year. This is especially true if you are able to get away to visit friends, family, or to go skiing.

One security concern we all face during this time of the year involves your home while you are away.

Whether you are planning to take a long or short trip away from home, there are prudent security steps that you should consider prior to your departure. Typically, a homeowner will tell a neighbor that they will be gone for a period of time. This type of notice usually includes confirmation of your destination, phone numbers, and, possibly, a message regarding the housekeeper or gardener.

For some of us, this may be sufficient; however, in addition to the standard security services offered by our police department and HOA, other surveillance services are available.

The most practical is the Vacation Home Check, which can be found on the Blackhawk website.

This is a personal surveillance program provided by the Blackhawk Police Department in cooperation with the Blackhawk HOA’s security personnel. All Blackhawk residents are eligible to use the service.

Accessing the website is very simple and secure. To begin, open the website at www.blackhawk-hoa.com. Once on the home page click-on the Blackhawk Police logo (it is on the right side of the page), look for and click on the Vacation House Check form. Complete the information on the form. Make sure to answer all of the questions as completely, as possible. If additional information is required, an officer will contact you.

The questionnaire is not very long, but it helps the officer if your answers are as complete as possible. Here are a few suggestions to assist you:

1. Include Emergency Contact(s) by listing their name, home phone, cell phone, and email address.

2. Make sure to include specific information, such as, phone numbers, email addresses, and any other related information regarding service people who will have access to your home or lot. This list may include friends and family members, if appropriate, on your Vacation Home Check form.

3. Indicate dates and times that each individual is scheduled to be at your home.

If you have any questions, call the Blackhawk Police Department at 925-646-2441.

Contact the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Crime Prevention Unit at 925-313-2682 for additional information or to schedule an orientation meeting to form a Neighborhood Watch program in your area.