Police cannot function effectively without
the assistance of concerned, responsible residents. They are depending on YOU
to call and tell them whenever you see suspicious persons or activity. Some
residents fail to call the police simply because they are not aware of what seemingly
innocent activities should be considered suspicious. Others may recognize suspicious
activity and be hesitant to call for fear of being thought of as the neighbourhood
"busy-body." Yet others simply assume that someone else has already called the
police. Call the police immediately about all suspicious activity - and do
it yourself. Don't worry about "bothering" the police; it is part of their job
to investigate suspicious matters. Do not worry about feeling embarrassed if your
suspicions are wrong; think instead about what could happen in your suspicions
are right and you don't call.
BUT
WHAT IS "SUSPICIOUS"?
Generally, anything that seems even slightly
out of the ordinary for your area or for the time of day may signal criminal activity.
Some of the most obvious things to watch for and report include:
-
A stranger entering
your neighbour's home or property when the neighbour is not home
-
Screaming
or shouting may signal a fight, robbery, rape, etc.
-
Offers
of merchandise at ridiculously low prices could mean stolen property.
-
Person
removing car parts, license plates, or petrol are considered suspicious.
-
A
person looking into parked cars may be looking for a car to steal or for valuables
left in plain view inside.
-
Persons
entering or leaving a business place after hours may be burglars.
-
The
sound of breaking glass or other loud, explosive noises could mean an accident,
break-in, or vandalism.
-
Persons
loitering around schools, parks, secluded areas, or in the neighborhood may be
sex offenders, may be "casing" for crime, or may be acting as a look-out.
-
Persons
around the neighbourhood who do not live there could be burglars.
-
Persons
claiming to be representatives of utilities (gas, phone, water, electric, cable)
but who are not in uniform or have no company identification may be burglars.
SOME NOT SO OBVIOUS THINGS TO WATCH FOR
Not every
stranger who comes into your neighbourhood is a criminal. There are many perfectly
legitimate door-to-door sales and service people conducting business everyday.
Criminals, however, take advantage of this by pretending to be a legitimate business
representative. After all, if criminals looked like criminals, none of us would
have any problem spotting them...
Following are some situations you might
see and what they might mean:
-
Persons going door-to-door
in your neighbourhood. Watch for a while. If they look into windows, appear to
be trying doors to see if they're unlocked, or go to a side or backyard, they
may be burglars.
-
A
person loitering in front of a home or business is suspicious if the residents
are away for if the business is closed. There may be a burglary in progress.
-
Anyone
tampering with or forcing entry into a building or vehicle is suspicious anytime,
anywhere
-
A
person who is running and does not appear to be exercising, especially if carrying
property could be fleeing the scene of a crime.
-
Simply
carrying property may be regarded as suspicious if it is at an unusual hour, in
an unusual place, if the person appears to be trying to conceal the property,
or if the property is not wrapped as if it were just purchased
-
A
person exhibiting unusual mental or physical behaviour may be injured, under the
influence of drugs and/or alcohol, or in need of psychiatric help.
-
Heavy
foot traffic to and from a certain residence may indicate narcotics activity or
a "receiving" operation (buying and selling stolen property), if it occurs on
a regular basis, especially during unusual hours.
THINGS TO WATCH FOR INVOLVING VEHICLES
-
Any vehicle without
lights at night, cruising slowly, or following a course that seems aimless or
repetitive is suspicious in any location, but particularly so in areas of schools,
parks, and playgrounds. Occupants may be "casing" for a burglary or robbery, or
they could possibly be drug dealers or sex offenders.
-
Parked,
occupied vehicles are worth noting, especially if seen at unusual hours. It could
be a possible lookout for a crime, even if the occupants appear to be lovers.
-
Vehicles
being loaded with valuables are suspicious if parked at a closed business or residence
where the occupants are away, even if the vehicle appears to be a legitimate commercial
unit. Professional thieves will often take the time and trouble to customize their
vehicles with special signs in order to move freely without attracting attention
and raising suspicion.
-
Apparent
business transactions conducted from a vehicle, especially around schools or parks
and if juveniles are involved, may be indicative of drug sales.
-
Persons
being forced into vehicles, especially if female and/or juvenile, may mean a possible
kidnapping.
-
The
unfamiliar abandoned vehicle parked on your block may be stolen.
OTHER UNUSUAL SITUATIONS YOU SHOULD REPORT
-
On- going vehicle
"repair" operations at a non-business location could mean premises where stolen
cars are stripped, repainted, or otherwise altered.
-
Open
or broken windows and doors at a home or business could mean a burglary still
in- progress or already completed.
-
Gunshots,
screaming, the sounds of a fight, persons chasing others on foot or in cars, unusual
barking of dogs - anything suggesting foul play, danger, disturbance of the peace,
or criminal activity - should be reported.
While some, if not all, of the suspicious circumstances described above could
have logical and legitimate explanations, the Police would rather investigate
a potential criminal situation and find nothing than be called after it is already
too late and someone has been victimized. Your call could stop a criminal act,
prevent an injury, or possibly even save a life.
WHAT
HAPPENS WHEN I CALL THE POLICE?
All calls to the Police
are prioritized according to the seriousness of the situation, NOT simply according
to the order in which they are received. If you call the police, please be prepared
to provide as much of the following information as possible:
-
What are you reporting?
-
When
did it happen?
-
Where
did it happen?
-
Is
anyone injured?
-
Vehicle
description (including licence number).
-
suspect
description, including race, sex, age, height, weight, hair, eyes, facial hair,
clothing, and any other identifying characteristics.
-
Direction
of flight(street and direction).
-
Weapons
involved (gun, knife, bats, etc.).
-
Where
are you calling from?
While it may seem
as though you are being asked many questions, the information is for the safety
of the responding officers. The dispatcher is attempting to gather as much information
about the situation as possible so that the officers will have a clearer picture
of what they may encounter when they arrive. Please, remain calm and cooperate
with the dispatcher.
In
your area
