Vacation Watch

Surrey Police Service Vacation Watch is a free community support program that assists residents who are away from home for an extended period, whether for vacation, business travel, or seasonal leave. 

What is Vacation Watch?

  • SPS Vacation Watch is a free service for Surrey residents who will be away from their home for five or more days.
  • Trained SPS volunteers will conduct visual exterior checks of the front and back of a  residence while the homeowner is away.
  • Volunteers look for external visible signs of insecurity or concerns that may require attention.
  • If a concern is identified, volunteers will report it to Surrey Police Service for follow up.

Please Note: SPS Vacation Watch volunteers do not:

  • Enter homes or enclosed areas of the property.
  • Pick up mail, newspapers, or packages.
  • Care for or check on pets.


Who can apply?

Any Surrey resident planning to be away from their home for an extended period. The SPS Vacation Watch program reflects our shared commitment to keeping Surrey neighbourhoods safe, connected, and resilient.


Eligibility requirements

To participate in the SPS Vacation Watch program:

  • Residents must be away for a minimum of five  consecutive days.
  • Applications must be submitted at least 14 days before departure.
  • One application is required for each vacation or absence.
  • The residence cannot be a part of a Strata unless we receive written approval from the strata before submitting the application. A copy of the approval must be included with the application.


Apply today

Please download the form below, complete it in full, and submit it by email to CrimePrevention@surreypolice.ca

Download the Form

 

vacationwatch

Frequently asked questions

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Do uniformed officers do the vacation watch checks?

No. This is a volunteer program being run by Surrey Police Service. Civilian volunteers will check the outside perimeter of the house and will report any concerns to SPS officers for follow up.

How often do volunteers check my house?

Volunteers will do a daily check on your place of residence while you are away and will report any concerns to SPS and will contact you on the phone numbers provided on your form. 

Is there a time limit on vacation watch? I plan to be out of the country for 3+ months

There is no limit on the length of absence. SPS volunteers will conduct a Vacation watch for the duration of your trip. 

I have a locked back gate do I need to give you a key to access my back yard?

SPS volunteers can not accept keys or any other access materials for the Vacation Watch program. Volunteers will only visually review accessible locations on your property. 

I'm concerned my neighbours might think Vacation Watch volunteers might be trying to break into my house

Our volunteers will be wearing visible and branded SPS Volunteer clothing to help identify and distinguish them as part of this program. 

Do you provide services for apartment buildings or condos?

At this time, Vacation Watch is only available to single-family dwellings. Properties within a strata may be eligible only if written approval from the strata has been obtained before submitting the application. A copy of the approval must be included with the application.

Am I allowed to access this program if I am renting a home?

Yes. This program is available to renters as well as home owners. We recommend contacting your landlord or property management company to let them know you are in the Vacation Watch program

 

Tips to secure your home while on vacation

If you're planning to be away from home for an extended amount of time, we recommend taking a few steps to help secure your home. 

Alarms: If you have an alarm system, notify your alarm company to make our agency the first contact point when your alarm is triggered.  This will save valuable time and get law enforcement en route immediately should your alarm go off.

Lights: If you are going to leave lights on, consider placing them on timers.  Exterior lights should only be left on if they are equipped with dusk to dawn sensors.  Lights left on over night are ok, but exterior lights left on through the day can be a sign that no one is home.

Vehicles: If you are able, keep a parked car visible in your driveway or in front of your house. No matter where you leave your vehicle, do not leave valuables inside. 

Additional Emergency Contact:  Ensure you have a contact within the same city or close by that can be contacted in the event of an emergency and serve as a point of contact while you are away. 


Questions

If you have questions about SPS Vacation Watch or would like to know more about our community safety programs, please contact CrimePrevention@surreypolice.ca