Home securty checks are a free service offered to the citizens of the City of Burlington.  Home security forms are available at the Burlington Police Department and may be picked up during business hours. 

Thieves look for targets of opportunity.  There are many things you can do to avoid becoming one of the victims, especially when you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time for any reason.     

• Arrange for the Burlington Police Department to check your house.
• Have your mail and deliveries picked up by your neighbor or someone you trust.
• If possible leave a car in the driveway.  Ask a trusted neighbor to park in your driveway while you are away. 
• Be sure to check all windows and doors throughout the house including the garage, basement, and second floor making sure they are secure.  These areas are often forgotten and make easy access into your home.
• Arrange with neighbors you can trust to check your house regularly.  Leave them a number where you can be reached.
• Don't tell everyone about your vacation plans.
• If possible have lights, inside and outside, turned off and on with a timer.

In the worst case scenario, should you return home to find your house has been broken into, do not enter it.  Call the police from a neighbor's phone or your cell phone.  Before leaving make an inventory of your property listing all serial numbers and model numbers available.  Use an engraver to mark you belongings with your driver's license number or any other personal numbers.  These are very helpful in assisting the police with processing the burglary.