FOLEY, Ala. - Foley Police Chief David Wilson and the Foley Police Department offer a few summer safety tips for local residents traveling and planning their summer vacations.

Wilson sent a press release Friday, hoping for local residents to plan their summer vacations accordingly and make sure to have fun while being safe.

"We live in changing times and these basic crime prevention and safety tips are good to follow while traveling on your vacation," Wilson stated in the press release.

The tips Wilson wanted to relay to residents range from the look of a temporarily unoccupied house to how many mph drivers can be above the speed limit before a police officer pulls them over and writes a ticket.

The tips are:

• Leave your house looking as if someone is still living there. "Lock your doors and windows and consider using a professional alarm system for your home," Wilson stated. "You can also have a trusted friend check on your house each day and alternate leaving different interior lights on. The Foley Police Department offers a police service to citizens who live in the city limits called 'House Check' where police officers check your home while you are away. Simply come to the police department during normal business hours and complete a form and we will take care of the rest."

• Do not let a bunch of newspapers pile up in front of the house. “While away, you can have your friend or family member pick up the newspaper," Wilson stated. "Burglars often look for these type indictors. Do not leave house keys under flower pots or welcome mats; burglars do check these places. Do not leave notes on your door saying when you will return.”

• The neighbors could become the best defense against burglars. "Get to know your neighbors and watch out for one another," Wilson stated. "In my career, I know of neighbors who have actually witnessed a burglary in progress but they weren’t for sure about it or they felt 'silly' about calling the police department. These homes were hit pretty hard and the neighbors then felt extremely bad for not calling. Our Community Services Unit can assist neighborhoods in setting up formal Neighborhood Watch programs by calling 952-4010 ext 254.”

• Keep safe the valuables while on vacation or shopping. “If you are out shopping while on vacation, know your surroundings at all times," Wilson stated. "Park under well-lit areas in parking lots at night and trust your instincts. Lock your car and don’t leave valuables in your vehicle that may become a target of opportunity. Don’t leave your purse unattended, even if only for a second, in shopping carts. There are folks out there that specialize in purse thefts from shopping carts with lightning speed. It can be as quick as you stopping and grabbing an item from the shelf.

“Always visually check the interior of your vehicle and behind the backseats before you get back into the car. Again, know your surroundings as you park and as you return to your vehicle. If you ever get worried or suspicious, trust that feeling and call the police," Wilson stated. “If staying in a hotel, fully use the double lock device on the hotel doors before going to sleep especially if in a city where you don’t know what the crime rate is. There is always the possibility of strangers entering hotels or a bad employee or two at even very nice hotels.”

• Make sure to drive safe and be well-rested. “Observe the posted speed limits and don’t follow other vehicles too closely," Wilson stated, continuing that different officers allow different windows of speeds over the posted limit before writing tickets and anytime a driver is going more than the speed limit, it is a risk.

"Take turns driving with your spouse and take advantage of the rest areas along the interstates so that you remain alert and travel safely. Never stop on the side of the road or interstate to sleep. Nowadays, it is very unsafe to do that."