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Brian Thoelen launched Blue Line Home Watch after retiring from the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department in 2025. “I saw areas where people could improve the safety of their home,” he says. With Blue Line, Thoelen provides preventative steps that many homeowners may not have the time or energy to maintain.
Blue Line (bluelinehomewatch.com) has developed a large scope of services, but Thoelen stays grounded in tailoring his security support to clients’ unique needs and concerns. He visits clients’ homes, layering security measures, so people have more than just locks and cameras protecting their homes when they are vacant. The consistent watchfulness that Thoelen provides via weekly or bi-weekly visits, includes monitoring appliances, collecting mail and starting clients’ cars. These details may seem to be small points, but Thoelen knows they add up.
Services also include a full security report to clients. “If something does happen, I’m there to mediate the problem,” he says, adding, “The best technology cannot replace a human presence.”
The former police chief offers tips for homeowners while they’re away from home:
- Avoid social media posts about travel plans or photos until after returning home.
- Make the home look lived-in: Stop the mail, arrange for snow removal or lawn care and use light timers.
- Rely on professionals: Have someone walk the property, check for packages and ensure nothing looks out of place.
- Secure all entry points by checking home and garage doors and windows. Don’t leave spare keys outside.
- Shut off the water. Even a small leak can do a lot of damage.
