Vacation House
Check Form

Complete the Vacation Security Check Request Form. Submit it to the Independence Police Department.

Submit in-person to: 555 S. Main Street
OR mail to: PO Box 7, Independence, OR 97351

Business hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am – 11:30 am, 12:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Home Security Tips:

  • Create the illusion that you’re at home by getting timers that will turn lights on and off. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house.

  • Do not let your mail or newspapers pile up. Stop delivery or have a neighbor pick them up.

  • Instead of hiding keys around the outside of your home, give an extra key to a neighbor you can trust.

  • Install outside lights and keep them on at night.

  • Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery and cut back tree limbs from near your home.

  • Clearly display your house number so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.

  • Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed dead bolt lock.

  • Sliding glass doors can be secured by putting a broomstick handle or a dowel in the inside track to jam the door.

  • Lock double-hung windows with key locks or pin windows by drilling a small hole into a 45-degree angle between the inner and outer frames, then insert a nail that can be removed.

  • Sliding windows can be secured by putting a dowel in the track.

  • When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.

  • All outside doors should be metal or solid wood.

  • Install a peephole in all entry doors. Door chains break easily and do not keep intruders out.