You can request that the Wintergreen Police Department periodically check your unoccupied home during your absence.

“As a matter of safety for your renters and our officers we cannot offer this house watch service to property owners who rent out their place to others,” notes Wintergreen Police Chief Dennis Russell. “But, otherwise, this is a free service to all property owners. And we encourage property owners to use it.

“Our house watch sign-up works well with those who have a security system on their home,” Russell says. “If we get notification from your alarm company and we see that you are traveling and not at home–and you’ve told us no one should be there–our response to the alarm will be much more informed.

“If you are having a neighbor water your plants while you’re gone, our system allows you to make exceptions such as this,” the police chief notes.

The form used to request a check explains a lot about how the home watch program works. Besides the obvious questions such as your name, address, and when you are leaving and returning, the house watch form asks for a phone number where you can be reached while away (such as a cell phone).

The police also want to know if anyone has authority to enter the residence while you are away and who they are (neighbor, cleaning service, repair worker, etc.). If there is someone at Wintergreen holding a key to your home, you can provide that information. There is even a space on the house watch form to indicate if there are lights in your home on a timer or vehicles parked in the driveway.

A major point Wintergreen Police strives to make to those using the home watch service is if your schedule changes and you come back to your home earlier than you indicated, it is important to contact the police and let them know about your change of plans.

And, when returning from your trip as scheduled, the police ask that you check in with them to confirm that you are back at home.

Use the form below to request a house watch or simply call the Wintergreen Police Communications Center at 434-325-1106.

Your name

You must be the owner of the property to apply.

First Name

Last Name

Email

This is how we will confirm or contact you if we have questions

Your Wintergreen Street Address

Best phone number to reach you

Cell phone number is best in most cases.

(###)

###

####

Date you will be leaving your WTG home

MM

DD

YYYY

Date you will RETURN home

IMPORTANT: Contact WTG Police if you decide to return early.

MM

DD

YYYY

Full names and phone numbers of anyone who might be in the home during this house check. If none, type in NONE.

Example: Neighbor watering plants, contractors, cleaning services, etc.

In an emergency, is there is anyone with a key or someone we should contact if we cannot reach you? If so please put their name, relationship (sister, neighbor, friend, etc.) and contact information below.

Is there anyone with a key to the home if we need access in an emergency, you can share that information if you want here.

Check all that apply. You can provide details in the text area below.

We have a security system.

We will have lights on a timer inside. (Details where below)

There will be a car in the driveway. (Make & model noted below)

Some of our neighbors are aware we are away.

NONE OF THE ABOVE.

Anything else we need to know?

You can elaborate on anything noted on this form here.

When there is no one at your Wintergreen home…

Serving with the highest possible degree of personal and professional integrity.