The Kent Police Department offers what it calls a “dark house” program. A homeowner who plans to be away can go to police headquarters; in the lobby is a Dark House form. A filled-out form will lead officers to regularly check on one’s house.

The department is the building just to the left when one drives in to the town government compound off Route 52. The address is 40 Sybil’s Crossing, Kent Lakes, NY 10512. The phone number is: (845) 225-5646.