Columbine Valley Colorado

House Watch

house widgetWhat Is a House Watch?

A House Watch is a request to the Columbine Valley Police Department to make additional checks on your residence. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as a vacation or business trip.

Request a House Watch

To request a House Watch online, complete this Neighborhood Watch form to send your request to the correct people in a timely manner. When completing the form, please note:

  • Enter just your house number and street name, such as “2 Middlefield,” to allow the database to search for your property.
  • The search for your address may take a few seconds.
  • If your address does not pre-populate or allow you to enter the required information, please call us at 303-795-1434 to submit your request.

To request a House Watch by phone, call Town Hall at 303-795-1434 during regular business hours. If the office is closed, please leave a message with the following information:

  • Name and address
  • Date of departure and return
  • Phone number where you or a responsible party may be reached
  • Whether you have an alarm system or timers on lights
  • Any additional information such as who may be checking on the house

Tips While You’re Away

Alarm System

  • Alarms offer additional security, but should never be substituted for good locks.
  • If you have a residential alarm, make sure it is armed and working properly. It is always a good idea to give the code to a trusted friend or neighbor in case the system malfunctions while you’re away.

From the Curb

  • Be sure your house numbers are visible from the street for emergency service such as police, fire, and ambulance.
  • Contact the U.S. Post Office and newspaper to put your services on hold while you are away.
  • Try to stop ordering online a week or so before you go so that no packages pile up on your porch.
  • As a neighbor or friend to collect mail, newspapers, and packages to prevent a buildup in front of your house that indicates nobody has been home for quite a while.

Landscaping

  • Trim your shrubs and trees to open the line of sight to your home for your neighbors in several directions.
  • Be sure shrubs and trees are trimmed to prevent concealment of intruders.

Lighting

  • Install entrance and exit lighting, such as front and rear door lights.
  • Install security lighting operated by an electric eye or timer, every night, all night, giving your home a perimeter of light.
  • Use a timer to automatically turn interior lights on and off at set times, giving the appearance that somebody is home.

External Doors

  • Ensure that all external doors are metal, solid wood, solid wood frame, or at least solid core construction.
  • Equip external doors with deadbolt locks that have at least a 1-inch throw.
  • Be sure the strike plates are installed with 3- to 4-inch screws, anchored well into the stud behind the door frame.
  • Glass sliding doors should be pinned to prevent being forced open and the upper track should be secured with large pan-head screws to prevent lifting.
  • French doors and double doors should be fitted with flush bolts at the top and bottom edge of the inactive or secondary door.
  • If a door leads from the garage to the interior of the home, be sure that it is as secure as an external door.
  • Do not hide keys under mats, in mailboxes, or in other common hiding spots.

Windows

  • Keep your windows locked and secure at all times, including on hot summer nights.
  • Be sure wooden windows are “pinned” on both sides, from the inside.
  • Fit aluminum windows with secondary locking devices, easily removed, in case of fire.

Garages and Vehicles

  • Use curtains or film in the garage windows to prevent viewing the interior of the garage from the outside.
  • Keep your garage door down and locked at all times.
  • Never leave your vehicle running and unattended (even to warm it up on cold days).
  • Don’t leave valuables inside your vehicle. If you must leave valuables, secure them out of sight in the vehicle.
  • Don’t leave your car windows down or doors unlocked; keep car doors locked even when the car is in your garage.

To report a crime or suspicious activity, call dispatch at 303-795-4711.