March 30, 2011

Report Suspicious Activity

Thanks to John Wolfinger of the VHCA Safety Team for this advice about reporting suspicious activity. This advice is for everyone. For FBAC members however:
  • During FBAC patrol hours, FBAC members can call the officer cellphone to report suspicious activity
  • FBAC members, keep that monthly newsletter handy! it provides patrol hours and the phone number
  • In an emergency, call 911 first and then FBAC
One of the most important roles you have as a member of our community is to report suspicious activity.
How do you determine what is suspicious activity? A suspicious activity is when a person's conduct or action does not fit the normal day to day activity of your neighborhood- an occurrence that is out of place and should not be happening in your neighborhood.

For example, recently a neighbor saw someone walking aimlessly, smoking, and looking at houses across Lanier Blvd, up McLynn and then eventually over to Amsterdam. She watched him for several minutes' walk up and down Mclynn twice and switch directions. He started "talking" on his cell when he noticed her watching him. She called the police and they sent someone to check him out. Who knows if he was up to no good.But her instincts said it wasn't normal!

REMEMBER- If you observe something unusual or think something looks 'wrong', report it. DON'T HESITATE TO CALL 911! FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCT! You WILL NOT get in trouble with the police- and you WILL be doing a service to your community!

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES AS SUSPICIOUS AND CALL THE POLICE!
1. A person or vehicle stays in the same place for an unusual length of time.
2. A parked car with the engine running- regardless of a person inside or not.
3. A person behaves strangely or exhibits unusual movements, looks out of place, or is wandering aimlessly.
4. A person concealing an object, carrying a weapon or suspicious bag.
5. A person looking into cars, moving from car to car, and/or tries door handles.
6. A person looking into windows of homes, or forcibly entering a car or home.
7. A person running from a home for no apparent reason, especially at night.
8. A person carrying/transporting unusual/valuable objects, day or night.
9. A person sells/conducts business out of their car, van, truck, or other vehicle.
10. A vehicle drives around your block frequently, slowing down, speeding up.
11. A vehicle without lights on, arriving or leaving at night.
12. A person you don't know offering candy or gifts to children.
13. A person leaving a neighbor's house who isn't the neighbor or someone you recognize or uniformed.
Many activities can be considered suspicious. And, there could be reasonable explanations for some suspicious activities. By thinking things through, being observant, and using common sense, you will be able to make a good judgment about whether an activity is suspicious. Your role as a concerned citizen is to report whatever you think is wrong or suspicious.

REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Call 911. Remain calm. Avoid taking any risks. Your safety is most important. Keep away from the crime scene to preserve evidence.
When you call to report a suspicious activity, you will be asked for your name, address, and telephone number. This information is requested to verify records or in case additional contact becomes necessary.

TRY TO REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
  • What happened?
  • Time and place?
  • Was anyone hurt?
  • Description of suspect(s)
  • Description of vehicle(s)
  • License plate number
  • Time and direction of travel
  • Additional details and circumstances
REMEMBER!
If it is suspicious to you, it's suspicious to the police. It is better to be safe than sorry.
In your neighborhood, the police don't always know what is suspicious and what is not.
It is up to you, VaHi/ Morningside, to let us know when you see suspicious activity! Report it immediately!

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