Suspicious Activity

What is suspicious?

• Maybe a person, a vehicle, a situation involving property or an unusual situation.
• A suspicious person might be someone going door to door in a residential area, making contact with any one who is home, giving a false story for being in the neighborhood and heading for the house next door

• Or solicitors who go door to door, checking the lay of the neighborhood. Rohnert Park has a municipal code that prohibits soliciting with out a permit. Legitimate solicitors have the permit, an ID, and true product or service to sell.

• Or someone waiting in front of the house while others go around to the back.
• Someone unknown to the neighborhood removing valuable items from a house.
• A suspicious vehicle could be a slow moving vehicle driving in the area without lights, or the course followed appears aimless or repetitive.
• Certain parked, occupied or unoccupied vehicles containing one or more people is especially significant.
• Vehicles being loaded with valuables is suspicious if parked in front of an unattended residence, even if the vehicle is a legitimate looking commercial unit - possibly even bearing a sign identifying it as a repair vehicle, moving van, etc.
• An abandoned vehicle that has be left in the neighborhood for several days. If you see a vehicle with a weapon displayed. Business transactions are being conducted out of the vehicle, especially if around schools or parks, and if juveniles are involved. Also anyone being forced into a vehicle.
• Situations involving property might be accumulations of items such as television sets, bicycles, stereos and speakers in a garage; especially if the items are in good condition but are not in use. Property in a vehicle that is not normally found in a vehicle and is in a location that is out of place for normal activity.
• Other unusual situations are continuous "Repair" in a residential neighborhood. Open or broken windows or doors to a residence whose owners are temporarily absent. Individuals detaching mechanical parts or accessories from a vehicle. Heavy foot traffic to and from a residence, especially during late or unusual hours.

What to do if you see Suspicious Activity

You are the eyes and ears of law enforcement, and you have a telephone, use it. Call and report the situation. Give the Communications Center your name, address and phone number. Tell them the what, when, where of the incident. Be specific to the situation. Long stories take up valuable time before an officer is dispatched to the incident.

How to describe a person or a vehicle

If it is suspicious, call Public Safety, it can save a life, prevent an injury or stop a criminal act.

Personal Security

Everyone needs to practice personal security, to take precautions. Victims of crimes come from all economic classes, all cultural, religious and racial backgrounds.

Victims often attacked in places that seem safe, their home, office, car, or just out in public.

Wherever you are stay alert and tuned into your surroundings. Send the message that you are calm, confident and know what you are doing or where you are going. Trusts your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy avoid the person or place -or leave

When walking - day or night, stick to well lighted, well traveled areas. Avoid shortcuts through dark alleys, parking lots or wooded areas.

Be low key in your demeanor and dress. Large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry are a tempting target. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allows easy movement.

If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, not dangling by the straps. If you carry your wallet on your person, put it in an inside coat pocket or a front pants pocket.

When driving - keep your doors locked and the windows rolled up when you come to a stop. Park in well lighted areas where there is traffic of others going to and from their vehicles. Remember where you have parked your car to avoid walking aimlessly around to locate it.

If you think you are being followed do not go home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, a service station or to an open business with people around it and get help.

Leave enough escape space between you and the vehicle in front when stopped at a light or stop sign. If someone approaches your vehicle in a threatening manner, pull away.

When using public transportation - travel with a friend or buddy if possible. When waiting be alert and avoid isolated areas whenever possible. Keep a low profile, ride near the front, let others know that you know they are there, smile. If you are bothered advise the driver or attendant, change seats if necessary.

Mechanical devices can give a false sense of security. They should be used in addition to common sense. Whistles, noisemakers, anything that attracts attention to your situation are usually enough. The subject does not want to attract attention to what they are doing. You need to know what pepper spray can do before you use it.

Think before you act, use your common sense.