By Carl Greaux
When calling in a crime or suspicious activity to the Police, persons should state the type of crime; whether it is burglary, assault, suspicious person or vehicle in the neighbourhood, etc. They should also state if the crime is in progress or if it had already been perpetrated, location of the crime and the location from where they are calling. As complete as possible, a description of the suspect involved, including any associates observed, and information regarding any weapon that might also be in their possession must be communicated to the Police.
When giving the description of a vehicle involved in a crime, try your best to identify the make, model/type year, any identifying marks (dents, broken glass, signs or stickers) on the vehicle and the last known direction of travel. Please note that when the Police Officer(s) arrived on the scene, he or she will often request additional information that you may be able to provide.
We can all agree that no police force can function effectively without the concerned assistance of responsible citizens. The Police are depending on you to call and tell them whenever you observe suspicious persons or actions. Call the Police immediately about all suspicious activity and do it yourself; you don’t even need to identify yourself if you don’t want to. Don’t worry about being embarrassed if your suspicions prove unfounded. Think instead about what might happen if you don’t.
Let us examine some obvious things that you should look out for:
• The stranger entering your neighbour’s house when it is unoccupied;
• The scream heard anywhere may mean a robbery or rape;
• Items offered at ridiculously low prices can mean stolen property;
• Anyone removing accessories, license plates or gasoline from a vehicle;
• Anyone looking into parked vehicles may be looking for a vehicle to steal or for valuables in the vehicle;
• Person(s) entering or leaving a place of business after hour;
• The sound of breaking glass or loud explosive noise could mean accident, a housebreak, vandalism or someone shot or being shot at;
• Person(s) loitering around school, parks, secluded areas or in the neighbourhood may be sex offenders; and
• Person(s) around the neighbourhood who do not live there.
Not every stranger who comes into your neighbourhood is a criminal. There are many legitimate salesmen, repairmen and servicemen moving around your neighbourhood all the time. But criminals do take advantage of this by assuming the identity of legitimate business representatives. After all, if a criminal looks like a criminal, no one would have any trouble spotting him!
Here are some situations involving people you might see and what their actions might mean:
• Someone is going door to door in your neighbourhood. Watch for a while. If, after a few houses are visited, he or she tries a door to see if it is locked or goes into the back or side yard, it could be a burglar. It is even more suspicious if another person remains in the front, or if there is a vehicle following a few houses away;
• Someone waiting in front of a house or business if the owners are away or the business is closed. This might be a lookout for a burglary in progress inside;
• Anyone forcing entrance or tampering with a residence, business or vehicle is suspicious anytime, anywhere;
• Heavy human traffic to and from a certain residence is suspicious if it occurs on a regular basis, especially during late or unusual hours. It could mean someone selling drugs or running a brothel;
• Vehicles being loaded with valuables are suspicious if parked in front of closed business or untended residences; and
• Juveniles or females being forced into vehicles.
While some, if not all, of the suspicious situations described could have innocent explanations, your police force would rather investigate crime-prone situations than be called when it is too late. Your call may save a life, prevent an injury or stop a criminal act!
