Vacation & Holiday Tips

The City of Oxford and the Oxford Police Department would like to wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. Toward that end, we are providing some tips to make your holidays safer and information to make your time away from Oxford (whether it be for a weekend or the academic holiday breaks) a little less stressful.

Avoid Extra Expenses While You Are Gone

Designated Snow Routes

Designated snow routes are marked with red, white & blue signs. Vehicles parked on snow routes when there is 3” or more of snow accumulation or during a snow emergency will be cited and towed at the owner’s expense. Remove your vehicle from a designated snow route if you plan on being out of town for any length of time. Review the Winter Weather page for more information.

72-Hour Street Parking Ordinance

Vehicles parked on city streets for 72 consecutive hours are subject to citation and impoundment. If you are leaving town, make arrangements to park your vehicle off of city streets. Cars may not be stored in the Uptown Parking Garage on the public parking floors. Review the Parking in Oxford page for more information.

Waste Wheelers & Trash Receptacles

Waste wheelers & other trash receptacles must be removed from the curb 24 hours after refuse collection. Review the Property Maintenance page for more information.

Leaving? Leave Your Home “Safe”

Vacant House Check

Fill out a vacant house check request with the OPD. Vacant house checks are available to all residents of the City of Oxford and Oxford Township.

Newspapers & Mail Service

Temporarily stop your newspaper and mail deliveries. A pile of newspapers on your lawn and/or a full mailbox is a signal to would-be burglars that no one is home.

Lights

Outside lights left on help to illuminate your property while you are gone, leaving fewer places for would-be burglars to hide. Lights on timers throughout your house help to illuminate rooms and give the appearance of occupancy.

Locks

Double-check the locks on your doors & windows. Make sure every potential access is secure, especially basement/ground-level windows.

Let Neighbors Help

Are your neighbors staying in Oxford during the winter break? Let them know you are leaving; they are a great “observation” source for any unwanted persons or activity around your home.

Voicemail or Answering Machine Greeting

Do not announce your travel plans on your voicemail greeting or answering machine; offering dates you are leaving and returning is inviting someone to enter your home while you are away. Leave your greeting as it currently is.

Party Clean-Up

If you have a party before you leave, make sure you clean up any areas outside your home. If you leave party trash on the lawn, you may have a citation upon your return.

Secure Your Valuables

Secure your valuables, such as jewelry, cash, cameras, etc., before you leave. If you are a student, take your items home with you; if you are vacationing, consider renting a safe deposit box at your local bank. Remember, “hiding” them at home may just safe guard them for a would-be thief; all those great “hiding places” are relatively well-known.

Shopping Safety

Secure Bags & Boxes

As you shop for the holidays, make sure to secure your purchases in the trunk or under a privacy cover. Leaving bags & boxes piled on the car seats can invite a smash & grab artist.

Park In Well-Lit Areas

Try to park in well-lit areas of parking lots; be alert as you walk to your vehicle after shopping. If you see anyone that makes you suspicious or nervous, return to the store and/or mall and request assistance walking to your vehicle.

ATM & Credit Cards

Be cognizant of your surrounding when standing at an ATM. If you are at a drive-up ATM, ensure your vehicle doors are locked. Put credit card receipts and ATM receipts in your pocket or purse rather than leaving them in bags or asking sales persons to throw them away.