No matter what, it seems like I am always forgetting to do something before leaving town. This was the case while visiting family over the Thanksgiving holiday.

I received a call from Tampa Police Department Officer Craven letting me know that I had left our van unlocked in our driveway. He said that everything looked OK and that he had locked the van for me. This is why I love the Tampa Police Department's Vacation Watch program. While I am away from home, I have peace of mind that TPD officers are checking on my property every day.

Are you going on vacation during the holidays? You can download the Vacation Watch Form by going to the Neighborhood Watch information section of the Tampa Police Department web site. Submit the form to TPD District II ( New Tampa ) Neighborhood Affairs Liaison Lisa Timmer. The fax number is 813-931-6541 and for more information, contact Lisa at 813-931-6541.

Also, if you don't have a Neighborhood Watch Program in you subdivision, Lisa will be happy to talk to you about it. For me, Neighborhood Watch has been a great way for me to give back to my community!