The Metropolitan Police Department’s 2nd District will be keeping its eyes on residents’ homes this holiday season, even when the occupants are out of town.
In a message posted to multiple online community newsgroups, District Cmdr. Andrew Solberg offered to have his officers “check on your house occasionally while you are away.” The second district is bounded by the Rock Creek Parkway and Western Avenue, and includes the Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, Chevy Chase, Palisades and Cleveland Park neighborhoods, among others.
Residents should contact the lieutenant of their respective police service area, found at mpdc.dc.gov, provide their address and vacation dates, and “we will try to have the PSA officers ride by and check on your house as often as possible to make sure things are okay,” Solberg wrote.
The MPD calls the program “special attention,” and it is available to residents citywide, said one officer in the 1st District.Once a home is put on special attention — accomplished simply by calling the appropriate District station — the roll call sergeant has beat officers drive by the residence during their daily tours.
In addition to calling police, Solberg recommended leaving on some lights and a television or radio during the vacation period, canceling newspaper subscriptions and arranging with a neighbor to ensure deliveries and advertising fliers aren’t left in front of the house or attached to the doorknob.
