NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK WATCH (CONT.)
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
An important responsibility of Neighborhood Block Watch participants is to report anything suspicious to the police. And here are a few things to look for:
* Someone running from a car or home.
* Someone screaming. If you can’t determine what the screams are for, call the police and report it.
* Someone going door-to-door in the neighborhood or looking into windows and parked cars.
* A person who seems to have no purpose wandering in the neighborhood.
* Any unusual or suspicious noise that you can’t explain, such as breaking glass or pounding.
* Vehicles moving slowly, without lights, or with no apparent destination.
* Business transactions conducted from vehicles. This could involve the sale of drugs or stolen goods.
* Offers to sell merchandise at ridiculously low prices. It’s probably stolen.
* Property carried by persons on foot at an unusual hour or place, especially if the person is running.
* Property being removed from closed businesses or residences known to be unoccupied.
* A child resisting the advances of an adult.
The police need to have accurate information as quickly as possible about a suspicious activity or crime in progress. When observing a suspicious person, vehicle or activity, or a crime in progress, immediately call the police to report the activity and also alert your neighbors to the crime. The phone number for reporting crimes is 9-1-1. You can call this number any time you witness a crime (day or night). This number is for emergency situations only. You should never attempt to apprehend a suspect.
(cont. next week)