Many times, we have that voice in our head, that an event or activity is out of the ordinary. The voice that keeps us, "everyone" safe and sound.
Don't worry about bothering the police. Don't worry about being embarrassed if your suspicious activity proves unfounded. The following are a list of specific events that the police want to hear from you:
Going Door to Door In a Residential Area
Especially suspicious if after a few houses are visited, one or more of the persons goes into a back or side yard. More suspicious if another remains in the front when this occurs. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Casing for a house to burglarize, burglary in progress, trespassing, or soliciting. Solicitors must register with police before conducting door-to-door sales.
Waiting In Front of a House or Business
Particularly suspicious if owners are away, or if it is a business, the establishment is closed. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Look out for a burglary in progress.
Forcing Entrance To or Tampering with a Residence or Vehicle
Suspicious under any circumstances. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Burglary, theft, damage to property, or trespassing in progress.
Non-Resident Going Into Back or Side a Yard of House
Suspicious under most circumstances. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Burglary or trespassing in progress.
Exhibiting Unusual Behavior or Physical Symptoms
POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Maybe injured, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or needing medical or psychiatric assistance.
Carrying Property
Suspicious depending upon the circumstances. For instance, if at an unusual hour or in an unusual location or if the property is not wrapped as if just purchased. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Leaving the scene of a burglary, robbery, or theft.
Heavy Human Traffic To and From a Certain Residence
Not suspicious unless it occurs on a daily or very regular basic, especially during the late or unusual hours. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Vice, drug, or fencing operations.
VEHICLES
Certain Moving Vehicles
Especially of show moving and without lights or if the course followed appears aimless or repetitive. This is suspicious in any location but particularly in areas of schools, parks, and playgrounds. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Casing the place to rob or burglarize, drug pusher, or sex offender.
Certain Parked, Occupied Vehicles
These vehicles may be considered suspicious when seen at unusual times and places. Be alert for occupied vehicles that may be the "look out" for burglaries and robberies that may be in progress.
Vehicle(s) Being Loaded with Valuables
Suspicious of parked in front of a closed business or unattended residence. Even of the vehicle is a legitimate looking commercial unit – possible even bearing signs identifying it as a possible repair vehicle or moving van. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Burglary or other theft in progress.
Abandoned Vehicle
Possible stolen vehicle
Vehicle Containing Weapons
Suspicious under most circumstances. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Owner maybe engage in illegal activity.
Other Property in Vehicle
Not suspicious unless the property is not normally found in vehicles – especially of observed at unusual hours or it TV sets, stereos, un-mounted tape decks, or auto parts are involved. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Stolen property.
OTHER UNUSUAL ACTIVITY
Apparent open-air business transactions conducted from a vehicle, especially if around school or parks. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Drug sales or business license violation
Persons being forced into vehicle, especially if children or females. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Kidnapping or sex offenses.
Objects thrown from a vehicle, especially while traveling at high speed. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Disposal of contraband (illegal at the time i.e. alcoholic beverage) or evidence.
OTHER USUAL SITUATIONS
Open or Broken Doors or Windows: At a closed business or residence who owners are possible to be away from the home. POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANCE: Burglary in progress or completed burglary. You don't have to be the owner to call.
Unusual Noises: Gunshots, screaming, sounds of a fight, breaking glass, barking dogs – anything suggestive of foul play, danger, or illegal activity. CALL THE POLICE AT ONCE
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If it's suspicious, call the police. It could save a life, prevent an injury, or stop a criminal act and help affect an arrest.
Don't worry about bothering the police. That's why they exist. Don't worry about being embarrassed if your suspicious proves unfounded. They will find out for you.
INFORMATION MOST OFTEN NEEDED BY POLICE
What Happened?
When?
Where?
Is Anyone Injured?
Vehicle License Plate (make, model, style, color)?
Description of Flight and Direction of TRAVEL?
Description of Persons Involved?
Description of you/vehicle (if you wish PO to talk to you)?
FOR EMERGENCY POLICE SERVICE
911
POLICE NON-EMERGENCY
414-933-4444
