The communications center for Alachua County takes in an average of half a million calls a year but when the holiday season comes around, that's when the number of calls go up.

Kim Poe, a long time resident of Gainesville is traveling for the holidays. She's taking a seven hour trip to the mountains. It's taken her at least a week to prepare. Poe says when she's out of town, she trusts her neighbors to help her out.

Alachua County Sheriff's Deputies expect a big jump in the number of burglaries-- in part because so many college students leave town but law enforcement officers are working to cover all of Gainesville.

Law enforcement are not only watching the roadways, but the neighborhoods as well.

Also checking houses will be Sheriff's Deputies. There will be double the number of usual deputies on patrol over the holiday.

Law enforcement encourages residents to get with their neighborhood watch groups before they leave town.