IMPORTANT NOTE: The Vacation "House Check" (VHC) Service is a voluntary and free service offered by the Alhambra Police Department and does not create a special duty upon the City of Alhambra or the Alhambra Police Department to guard your property against loss or theft. No guarantee is made, nor assurance given, against loss, theft or damage to any premise on the VHC Service list. VHC services will be provided depending on available time and duty schedules.
The Alhambra Police Department provides a free residential security check for vacationing or hospitalized residents of single family homes or duplexes. Alhambra residents residing in single family homes may receive Vacation House Check (VHC) services while their home is vacant.  A VHC service request must be made through the Alhambra Police Department Crime Prevention Office at least 7 days prior to leaving the home vacant.  The VHC request is made by completing and returning the Vacation House Check Request form.  The request from can be completed by printing the form and filling in all required information.  The completed VHC Request form can be returned by FAX to the APD Crime Prevention Office FAX number,  (626) 308-4841.  Questions regarding the VHC program should be directed to the APD Crime Prevention Office, (626) 570-5177.   Homes on the VHC Services List are periodically checked during the homeowner's absence by uniformed volunteer members of the Alhambra Police Department's Citizens on Patrol. During a vacation security check , the COP volunteer conducts a foot patrol of the property to insure the home is secured and that windows and doors are locked and undamaged. A careful log is kept of what activity is conducted at the property while the resident is away. If, by chance, a burglary occurs at the residence while the homeowner is away, the individual whom the homeowner has specified as an emergency contact will be notified. Vacation "House Check" Service Request Residence must be a single family home or duplex located in the City of Alhambra Resident must be leaving their home unoccupied at least five days, but not more than 21 days  Residence must not be occupied for any length of time during the requested dates for VHC service VHC Service is not available for homes that are vacant and up for sale or rent VHC Services DO NOT include feeding animals, watering plants, or picking-up mail and newspapers Alhambra residents wishing to place their home on the VHC list must complete a VHC Request Form. This form may be completed over the phone by calling the Alhambra Police Department Crime Prevention Office at 626-570-5177 (Monday - Thursday), or by personally filling out the VHC Request Form AND returning it by mail, or in person, to the Alhambra Police Department, 211 S. First St., Alhambra Residents requesting VHC services should complete the form seven days before the planned vacation. RESIDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO CALL THE POLICE DEPARTMENT NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER WHEN THEY RETURN HOME at (626) 570-5151.			Before You Leave on Vacation Conduct a security inspection of your home. Make sure all locks on doors and widows are in good working order. Replace defective locks before you leave! Call the APD Crime Prevention Office if you need help with your security inspection. When leaving, make sure all doors and windows are closed and securely locked! Make your house appear "lived in." Use timers for lights and radios. Have a friend or neighbor pick up mail, packages and newspapers, and keep the lawn mowed and watered. Leave your trip plans and emergency phone number with trusted neighbors or friends. At least seven days before you leave, complete the APD Vacation "House Check" form. Return it to the APD Crime Prevention Office.