Vacation Watch and STAR programs provide peace of mind through volunteer patrols and security assessments
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents who plan to travel during the holiday season to take advantage of two free home safety programs designed to protect properties while owners are away.
The Citizen Observer Patrol’s Vacation Watch program allows Flagler County residents to receive up to 20 house-watch checks per year at no cost. During these checks, trained volunteer C.O.P. members conduct a complete exterior inspection of the home, looking for anything unusual including unauthorized vehicles in driveways, signs of forced entry, and suspicious people or activity on or near the property.
C.O.P. members do not touch doors, windows, or locks during inspections to avoid accidentally activating alarm systems. If they encounter suspicious or criminal activity, such as evidence of a break-in, they immediately notify law enforcement so a deputy can be dispatched to the home.
“The Vacation Watch program is a great preventative measure to give our residents a little more peace of mind when they travel,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Although we cannot guarantee the safety of your home or guarantee no damage while you’re away, having your house checked on regularly reduces the likelihood that it becomes the target of criminal activity.”
Residents can request the service online or in person at the FCSO District 2 Office located at 14 Palm Harbor Village Way in Palm Coast. The sheriff’s office asks that requests be submitted five days before the start of the requested watch dates to ensure adequate scheduling time for guaranteed service.
The program offers flexibility for coverage ranging from a single day to multiple checks spread over several months. C.O.P. members use scheduling software to ensure visits are distributed evenly throughout the period residents are away. The service operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, excluding holidays.
When submitting a request, residents should note any anticipated activity at their home such as lawn care services, pool cleaning, or neighbors collecting mail. If a C.O.P. member observes activity that might be legitimate but was not noted during signup, they will contact the resident to verify whether it was authorized. Residents who return home earlier than planned must notify the District 2 Office at 386-586-2621 so their home can be removed from active watch status.
The sheriff’s office also offers the Security Training at Residence program, known as STAR, which provides free comprehensive home security assessments. During a STAR assessment, a C.O.P. member walks the property to evaluate security features including door and window locks, exterior lighting, and whether landscaping might offer potential hiding spots for criminals. Residents receive information about their home’s general vulnerability to burglary or trespassing along with recommendations to strengthen security and reduce the chance of being targeted.
“Both of these programs are made possible due to the tremendous efforts of our volunteer C.O.P. members, who really go above and beyond to give back to our community,” Sheriff Staly said. “I encourage everyone planning to travel to utilize either or both of these services so a Grinch doesn’t ruin your holiday! We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season and new year.”
Both the Vacation Watch Program and the STAR Program are available free of charge to all Flagler County residents.
