The following information comes from the Neighborhood Watch Unit of the Orlando Police Department--
What is Suspicious Activity?
There are many people, things and situations that might be considered suspicious. When a person's conduct or action does not fit the norm of your neighborhood, follow your intuition.
If you think or feel that something is wrong or suspicious, it probably is- CALL 9-1-1.
You should consider the following activities or persons as suspicious:
1. A person or vehicle that stays in the same place for an unusual length of time.
2. A vehicle drives around your block frequently, slowing down, speeding up, etc.
3. A person looks into cars, moving from car to car and/or tries dorr handles.
4. A car leaves or arrives from a certain location, without lights at night.
5. A person sells or conducts business out of his car, van, truck or other vehicle.
6. Continuous repair operations at a nonbusiness location (stolen property being altered).
7. Unusual noises, such as gunshots, screaming, or dogs barking continuously (burglary, assault, rape).
8. A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms (may be injured/under the influence of
drugs/may be in need of medical attention).
9. Sound of breaking glass (burglary or vandalism).
10. Going door to door in a residential area, especially if one or more goes to rear of residence (gypsies,
traveling thieves).
11. A person runs at night for no apparent reason (fleeing the scene of a crime).
12. Forcing entrance or entering an unoccupied house.
13. Heavy traffic to and from a residence if it occurs on a daily basis (drug dealing).
14. Loitering around schools, parks or secluded areas (sex offenders).
15. Offering items for sale at a very low price (trying to sell stolen property).
16. Loitering or driving through a neighborhood several times or appearing as delivery person with a
wrong address (burglary).
A suspicious activity is an occurrence that is out of place and should not be happening in your neighborhood. There could be reasonable explanations for some suspicious activities. By thinking things through, observing and using your common sense, you will be able to make a good judgement about whether an activity is suspicious or not. For the best report, write down the tag number, color and make of the car and direction of travel. Also write down a brief description of the suspicious person: race, hair color, height, build, etc. When in doubt, call 911. Let OPD investigate. If you don't call within two minutes of seeing suspicious activity, the chances are the suspect will get away.
For more information contact the Neighborhood Watch Unit of the Orlando Police Department at (407) 246- 2369. Questions? Do not hesitate to get in touch with me.
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Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book "Burglars on the Job" offers some very practical tips for everyone to be aware of. These safety suggestions are offered from through the"eyes" of a burglar. Take a look, I think many are common sense that we might take for granted.
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste... and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flier in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..
5. If it snows while you're out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom - and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It's raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: I don't take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I'll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won't look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here's a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids' rooms.
12. You're right: I won't have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system . If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at http://www.faketv.com/)
14. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
15. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
16. I'll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he'll stop what he's doing and wait to hear it again.. If he doesn't hear it again, he'll just go back to what he was doing. It's human nature.
17. I'm not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
18. I love looking in your windows. I'm looking for signs that you're home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I'd like. I'll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
19. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It's easier than you think to look up your address.
20. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it's an invitation.
21. If you don't answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
Hope this helps and gives you something to think about. Don't take anything for granted when it comes to home safety. If you have any questions about this, or anything else do not hesitate to get in touch.
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