Volunteers conduct free vacation checks

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, through its Senior Volunteer Patrol, offers free vacation checks.

In Ramona, residents planning a vacation or trip may enroll in the program by completing the form available at the sheriff’s station at 1424 Montecito Road.

Senior Volunteer Patrol members will perform security inspections outside your home Monday through Saturday while you are away. They will check if doors, windows and garages are locked and will hide newspapers and packages in a side fence or back patio. If they see anything suspicious, they will call for the assistance of a deputy who will determine if there’s been a break-in.

Vacationers will get a welcome home letter upon their return with a list of the days your home was checked and observations made during the visit.

To take advantage of this free service, complete and return the vacation check form at the sheriff’s Ramona station.