Excellent!
Here are a few other things to watch out for....
1. Service vehicles - If you see what appears to be a service vehicle such as A/C or Mechanical Services that looks like they are working on a air conditioner or electrical components look for the following... a TX Commercial Vehicle License ID. They are usually located on the front fenders. If it does not have one, call it in to 911 as a suspicious vehicle/person. These vehicles will usually have a magnetic sign.
2. If you do not see a service vehicle and someone appears to be working on a A/C unit that is not the resident. You can tell them you need your a/c serviced and ask for a business card. If they cannot produce one, walk away and discreetly record the individuals vehicle lic. plate and description and call it in.
3. Moving vans and Trucks - A "rent to own" delivery truck was spotted casing cars parked on the streets last year this time. Keep a close eye on all moving and delivery vehicles. They are unsuspecting vehicles that residents accept as doing legitimate business in the neighborhood. So, we tend to blow them off and not pay much attention. Don't be fooled. Pull out your inner Gladys and be suspicious until you know they are doing legitimate business. Otherwise, call them in. People - tell your neighbors when an odd vehicle may be in your drive way.
4. Vehicles pulling trailers - The summer time is the most active time of th year for trailer thefts. If a vehicle is pulling a trailer and it does not have working lights and/or a license plate that is visible, call it in. Alot of times they will scratch up the license plate and make it bend up or under so that it can not be read. If it looks like they are trying to conceal it. Pay close attention to them and call it in if it makes you suspicious.
Do not second guess your first thought. Your neighbors will not be mad that you were looking out for them, even if you overreacted. They would be upset if they knew you saw something but blew it off because you were not sure and now they have lost something.
Pay close attention to houses that are up for sale/rent. They are usually the first target.
Never confront someone that is commiting a crime. Leave that to the police. But, record, record, record. Vehicle descriptions, suspect descriptions, etc.
As always, stay safe!
Melissa - River Trails COP
