The easy answer is when you see suspicious behavior. Now what is suspicious behavior or activity? Easy answer for some and not so for others. This is when it can get troublesome. So how do you determine when to call? I will try to give you some examples.
These are the easy ones:
• A fire, car crash, or medical emergency.
• A stranger peering into home windows or autos.
• An improperly parked car or one parked with someone in it that definitely seems out of place.
• Seeing reoccurring appearances of a strange vehicle circling your neighborhood.
These are not so easy:
• A car parked on your block. (Could be visiting your neighbors?)
• A person walking by your home you do not recognize from your block. (Could it be someone out for a long walk?)
• A person standing around who could be a lookout for a burglary. (Maybe, maybe not – tough call.)
The theory is this: you will know what is suspicious and what is not based on your personal judgment and experience. I know it still does not fully answer the question, but there is no “pat” answer. I do know this: if you don’t call, at least do the following:
1. Get a license plate number and description of the vehicle (color, make, model, etc.)
2. Get a description of the person (height, weight, age etc.)
3. Note the date and time of day.
4. Note the actions of the person(s) or vehicle.
If a crime had occurred, the police would canvass the neighborhood for information and yours could be vitally important. Do not assume someone else called the police; this often is not true. Remember crimes can be solved with your help. No call is unimportant!
