The summer vacation rush will soon be in full swing and local enforcement officials have some friendly reminders to keep your home secure while you're away.

As families head out for their annual summer vacations, Clinton Police Detective Todd Ummel says there are a lot of things to be aware when you are gone. While social media is a great place to share photos and stories, but Ummel points out, anyone can see those and know you are away.

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As it relates to keeping your homes secure while on vacation, Det. Ummel explains there are several ways to keep things secure. He says having a friend or relative that is nearby by checking on your house frequently is a good idea. He also recommends keeping things as normal in the home as possible.

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Outside your home, Det. Ummel says it is best to stop your mail and newspaper service. He says piling up mail or multiple newspapers on the front porch are giveaways of an unoccupied house. He also encourages any vehicles that may be parked outside to be locked but also have any valuable removed, specifically garage door openers.

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Other helpful tips Det. Ummel offers are to have someone set your trash out and bring the can in when it has been picked up. He points out that is also a tell-tail sign of an absent home owner. He says encourage your children to use discretion when discussing future trips.

The Police Department also offers a service where they will frequent your neighborhood and check on your home while on vacation. Det. Ummel says the process is as easy as giving them a call to provide dates when you are gone and who will have access to the home plus other information you may want to provide. The phone number for the police department is 935-9441.