MANILA, Philippines ? The Quezon City Police have warned the public, especially those going home to their provinces during Holy Week, to take precautionary measures against burglars, who might break into their homes.

Chief Superintendent Elmo San Diego, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, said they would be implementing Oplan ?Semana Santa? and ?Summer Vacation? to secure residents during the Lenten season and summer break.

?Besides the security measures for the May elections, we have been busy contending with the coming Holy Week and the fast approaching lengthy summer vacation to ensure the security and protection of the public against criminals who usually take advantage of these periods,? he said.

The country will be observing Maundy Thursday on April 1 and Good Friday on April 2, during which Metro-based residents usually go home to their provinces to observe Holy Week.

?We call on the public, particularly those who will be leaving their respective homes for outings or to [go on] vacation in the provinces, to take extra precautions against burglars,? San Diego said.

He advised residents to make sure that their houses were well secured with durable padlocks or to install security devices to prevent break-ins while they are away.

San Diego said it would be helpful if those living in subdivisions could ask a trusted security guard or their neighbors to watch over their empty houses.

?Fire safety should also be a top concern of absent homeowners,? he added.

San Diego said the QCPD would be also monitoring the security preparations of government and private installations, as well as bus transport terminals where those going home to their provinces were expected to get a ride.

?We will maximize the deployment of our policemen especially in areas where police visibility is needed most to preempt lawless elements from engaging in their nefarious acts,? he said.