Several Central Texas law enforcement agencies offer a program that helps increase the safety of your home during the holidays.
Hewitt police officers check the homes of the people who sign up for the "While You Are Away Home Security Check Program" for free all year around.
Chief James Devlin said officers make sure the doors and windows of houses are locked.
"I would rather spend five to seven minutes walking around someone's residence ensuring they had not been broken into than having to spend time here at the police department, writing a report, doing inventory of the property, and working a criminal case and trying to bring a suspect to justice for a burglary," Devlin said.
On Wednesday, Daniel Abarca who is a first-time homeowner learned about the program.
"Having this program with them will make you feel safer," Abarca said.
He said he would be interested in signing up while his family goes on vacation for the holidays.
"I think having this program will help us go on vacation constantly without worrying not finding a home," Abarca said.
In the past 10 years, Hewitt police have not found anything criminal while checking homes but they did spot a water leak once that they reported to the homeowner right away.
"The homeowner wouldn't have any idea for weeks that this was taking place if we don't have the security check in place," Devlin said.
Devlin added even though car burglaries are more likely to increase during the holiday season, residential burglaries still happen.
To sign up for the Hewitt program, visit their website or the police department.
The Waco Police Citizens on Patrol also provides this service for Waco residents. If interested you can sign up by calling at 254-750-1761.
Bell County, Killeen, Belton, Temple, and Harker Heights police departments have similar programs.
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