BENeighborhood.comhome of the Breckenridge Estates Neighborhood Association

What is suspicious?

 We notice something that seems odd, but are not quite sure that it is worthy of calling the police.  Usually if it seems suspicious to you it is worthy of a call.  Call the police immediately, don’t wait until the person has left the neighborhood.  Try to get a good description of the person or vehicle that has aroused your suspicion.  Call your block watch representative after you have reported it to the police. 

 Call 911 if –

• You hear someone screaming or shouting for help
• Sounds of breaking glass or shattering wood
• Property being taken out of  houses where no one is home or businesses that are closed
• Someone being forced into a vehicle

 Call dispatch 574-2111 if –

• You hear unusual noises
• See a beam from a flash light or light in a neighbor’s home
• Notice persons going door to door
• See someone looking into parked cars or windows
• See persons waiting in front of a home or loitering around the neighborhood
• A stranger in the backyard
• Property being carried on foot
• Property being loaded or removed from a vehicle
• An open or forced door or window
• Strange vehicles parked at your neighbor’s house
• Slow moving vehicles cruising the block
• A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child
• Abandoned cars

Remember if you see a situation that doesn’t feel right, it’s suspicious.  Write down the description on any suspicious persons.  Get the model, color, and license numbers of strange vehicles.  Call the police immediately.  Don’t assume that someone else has called.  If criminal activity has occurred let your block watch Captain and neighbors know but CALL THE POLICE FIRST!

 When you call the police try to provide the following –

• Stay calm – try to give all the information requested
• Description of car – make, model, color, direction of travel, the street that the vehicle was last seen on, license number
• Description of person – clothing, hair, height, build, anything that would make them identifiable

• Lock your car.  When you park watch for suspicious people sitting in their cars and avoid parking next to them.
• Put your packages and valuables in your trunk.  Do not leave valuables visible in the car, ie… cell phones, cds, computers, ipods, gps, etc.
• If you take packages out to your car and return to the store, move your car.  People may be watching.
• If possible shop with a friend or during daylight hours.
• If you put your purse in your trunk, do so before you get to the parking location.
• Be aware of your surroundings when you walk to and from a parking lot.   Walk head up, eyes alert, make eye contact and have your keys out.  You do not have to talk to strangers,  if some one tries to stop you with a question just say you do not have time.  You do not have to be polite.  Polite people make excellent victims.
• Do not carry more cash than necessary and be descreet as to not draw attention to your cash.  Take extra precautions with your purse and wallet. Do not lay your purse in the shopping cart.   Turn your purse flap in towards your body, strap over your shoulder.
• Instruct children on holiday safety measures and before shopping decide where to meet should you and your child become separated.
• Never leave your house keys on a ring that you give to a service person or valet parking attendant.  Do not hide spare car keys on your car.
• Trust your instincts.  If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, report it to security immediately.  You may keep some one else from being a victim.