As summer break approaches for many people, for several of them that will mean vacationing away from home.

Residents of Perry who take trips have the option of getting a little peace of mind before heading out, as the Perry Police Department offers vacation patrols. Chief Eric Vaughn says the service is offered any time, though people typically take advantage of it during the summer months and winter break. “We will do those all through the year, so if you call or stop in the Police Department, we have a little form to fill out. Give us some general information about maybe how long you’re going to be gone, maybe who has a key, who may be coming and going from your house. And we can then take that information and the officers will randomly check on your house, make sure everything’s okay: we don’t have any break-ins, or make sure the garage doors are closed, or exterior doors are closed. So stop in or call, and we’ll get that set up for you.”

Vaughn emphasizes that the service is free to all Perry residents, and there’s no maximum amount of times vacation patrols can be requested.