Crime Watch volunteers check homes while neighbors vacation

Published 7:03 am Tuesday, March 4, 2008

When Lake Forest Park residents go on vacation, the volunteers of the Crime Watch program go to work.

Sponsored by the Lake Forest Park Police Department, Crime Watch is staffed by more then 30 volunteers who perform free house checks for residents who are away.

“We’re out every day of the year, checking homes,” Dan Olson, Crime Watch coordinator said.

Olson began the program 12 years ago with one volunteer. In 2006, 33 volunteers logged 1,341 hours. A total of 285 homes were checked over the course of 356 days. According to Olson, any missed days were due to snow.

Volunteers works in pairs and wear identifying coats, hats and name tags. They drive a Subaru Forrester donated by Carter Subaru with “Lake Forest Park Crime Prevention/Crime Watch” detailed along the exterior.

Residents who are interested in the service must complete a Vacation House Check Form available at City Hall or on the city Web site. Once the form is turned into the Police Department, Olson said volunteers “generally can start the service the following day.”

“It went fine and they always call and tell me how it went,” said Barbara Hannah, who returned home from a vacation earlier this week.

“I would recommend (the program) to neighbors. For one thing it’s free and it gives another sense of security. I have an alarm system but this is something extra.”

Olson said the program “is not a drive-by service” meaning that volunteers get out of their vehicle to walk around the exterior of the homes. If anything looks amiss — a door is open or a window is broken for example — volunteers will call the police. Any misplaced packages or newspapers will be moved out of immediate sight. Homeowners receive a follow-up about anything that occurred while they were away.

“I have traveled a lot and have always relied on Crime Watch to perform a valuable service,” Dennis Glauber, a volunteer for 10 years said. “We seem to have a steady family of homes. I feel like I know so many of the homes but I have never met the people who live there.”

Those who are interested in joining or learning more about the program should contact Dan Olson at Olsonhobbies@comcast.net or call 206-365-1240.

All volunteers must complete an application form, training in how to check homes and have a valid driver’s license.