Neighborhood Watch - What Police Need To Know
You should also call to report suspicious activity but not suspicious people. Remember it is what is happening that indicates possible illegal or criminal activity, not what people look like. Emergencies include something as “minor” as your driveway blocked, a fire hydrant blocked, or a loud party to something as major as a fight with weapons, someone breaking into a house or a car, or gunshots. When you call it is important to describe what is happening in simple, direct terms – do not use “I think,” “maybe,” or other nonspecific terms – do give as detailed a description as possible of people and cars and be sure to mention the direction of travel of those leaving the scene. Remember to remain calm.
Dorchester Sheriff: 873-5111, 563-5111
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As a member of NEIGHBORHOOD
CRIME WATCH, call the police about all suspicious
activity in your neighborhood. You and your fellow
members should report any unusual situations, such as:
- A stranger entering a neighbor's home that appears to be unoccupied.
- Anyone looking into parked cars, or removing parts, gasoline, or license plates from a car..
- Breaking glass, gunshots, screams or abnormally barking dogs.
- Anyone loitering around the neighborhood, schools, or parks.
- Anyone going door-to-door who tries to open a door, or goes into a backyard.
- Anyone carrying unwrapped property at any unusual time, or running while carrying property.
- Any vehicle cruising slowly back and forth on your street.
- Any abandoned vehicle on your street.
- Windows or doors recently broken at a home.
- Anyone sitting in a parked car, especially at an unusual hour, outside a home.
- What happened?
- Where?
- When?
- How?
- Who did it?
- What was its license plate?
- Color?
- Make?
- Model?
- Year?
- Which way did it go?
- Were they armed?
- What was their sex?
- Race?
- Age?
- Height?
- Weight?
- Hair color?
- Clothing? Shoes?
- Any unusual characteristics?