What is "Suspicious Activity?"
Some people fail to call the police simply because they are not aware of what may be suspicious. Other people notice suspicious activity and hesitate to call for fear of being labeled as "nosy" or a "crank." Others feel that someone else has already called the police. Police effectiveness is enhanced by active participation of the citizens they serve. When you call to report suspicious activity, you not only aid the police, you make your community a safer place to live.
Obvious Things to Watch For
- A stranger entering your neighbor's house when it is unoccupied may be a burglar.
- A scream heard anywhere might mean robbery or assault.
- Offers of merchandise at ridiculously low prices could mean stolen property.
- Anyone removing accessories, license plates or gas from a vehicle.
- Anyone peering into parked cars may be looking for a car to steal or for valuables displayed inside.
- Persons entering or leaving a business place after hours could mean burglars.
- A sound of breaking glass or loud explosive noises could mean and accident, burglary, or vandalism.
- Persons loitering around schools, parks and secluded areas could be sex offenders.
- Persons loitering in the neighborhood that do not live there could be burglars.
- Anyone forcing entrance to, or tampering with a residence, business or vehicle should be reported.
Not So Obvious Things to Watch For
Not every stranger who comes into your neighborhood is a criminal by any means.
There are many perfectly legitimate people moving around our neighborhoods
all the time. Some criminals do take advantage of this fact by assuming
the guise of salespeople, repairmen, and service people. You can protect
yourself by checking the identification of all solicitors, meter readers,
and repairmen prior to allowing them to enter your home.
- If, after a few houses are visited, one or more persons tries a door to see if it is locked, looks into windows or goes into a back or side yard, it could be a burglar. This may be even more suspicious if one person remains in front while this happens or has a car that follows them from a few houses away.
