Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or...

Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or more persons are

especially significant if observed at an unusual hour. They could be

possible lookouts for a burglary in progress, even if the occupants

appear to be lovers.

Any vehicle moving slowly and without lights or following a

course that appears aimless or repetitive is suspicious. Occupants

may be casing places to rob or burglarize.

Apparent business transactions conducted from a vehicle,

especially around schools or parks and if juveniles are involved,

could mean drug sales.

Persons being forced into vehicles -- especially if they are

juveniles or females -- may mean a kidnapping. Record the license

plates and call police.

An abandoned vehicle parked on your block may be stolen. Contact

parking control with a license plate number.

Place gravel outside windows where you’re concerned about

prowlers. The noise of someone stepping on it will serve to alert

you.

Seemingly innocent activities may be crimes in progress. Be a good

neighbor -- be observant and watch for unusual activity.

A home window with a

small break in it may mean a burglary has occurred. Call the

police immediately.

A stranger entering your neighbor’s house when you know it to be

unoccupied may be a burglar.

A scream heard anywhere may mean robbery or rape. Be observant and

notify police.

Anyone removing accessories, license plates or gasoline from a car

should be reported.

Anyone peering into parked cars may be looking for a car to steal

or for valuables left displayed in the car.

Persons entering or leaving a business place after hours could be

burglars. Safely try to note any vehicles involved and call police.

The sound of breaking glass or other loud explosive noises could

mean an accident, housebreaking or vandalizing.

Persons loitering around schools, parks, secluded areas or in the

neighborhood could be sex offenders.

Nearly half of the burglaries committed are without force, that

is, through unlocked doors and windows.

Always lock your doors and windows, even when leaving for “just a

minute” or when working in your own back yard.

Whenever you move to a new home, have the locks changed.

If strangers telephone or come to your door, don’t admit you are

alone.

Don’t let any stranger into your home -- no matter what the reason

or how dire the emergency is supposed to be. Make the emergency phone

call while they wait outside.

If you live in an apartment, avoid being in the laundry room or

garage by yourself, especially at night.