Monticello residents headed out of dodge for vacation this summer are encouraged to contact the police department to have an extra set of eyes on your home while you're gone.

While many may ask neighbors or friends to take care of pets or mail service or newspaper deliveries, Police Chief John Carter says his guys will drive by a couple of times a day to make sure everything is in order.

You can get signed up for the service by calling the Monticello Police Department or Chief Carter notes, there's a place at the city website to get all the information to them and sign up online.

The number for the Monticello Police Department is 217-762-7727 and that is from 8 am to 5 pm, or you can visit cityofmonticello.net.