Reporting Suspicious Activity

The police cannot function effectively without the assistance of responsible citizens. We need your help in reporting suspicious activity. Some people fail to call because they are not aware of what is considered suspicious. Others notice suspicious activity and assume someone else will call. Still, others fail to call because they feel it may not be important enough or they are bothering the police.

We encourage everyone to call police IMMEDIATELY if they feel a situation or a circumstance is suspicious. DO NOT think you are bothering the police; this is why we are here! DO NOT be embarrassed if your suspicions prove unfounded. If police question someone who has legitimate reason to be where they are, they and the neighbors will be thankful that you are watching out for them and their property – “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

IF IN DOUBT, CALL! It is better to err on the side of safety rather than regret having not called after an incident occurs.

The following is an example of incidents that should be reported to the police by dialing 911. This list is not intended to be complete. Use your judgment when calling the police.  Remember, if it seems suspicious, you should call.

ü    Person loitering in your neighborhood that you don’t recognize

ü    Persons loitering around cars, peering into them, or checking doors

ü    Alarms sounding or glass being broken

ü    Apparent “business transactions/drug deals” being conducted between people

ü    Someone going into a neighbor’s yard, looking into windows, checking doors of the house or garage

ü    Abandoned vehicle parked in your neighborhood

ü    Someone seen with a weapon

While some, if not all, of the above situations could have innocent explanations, the police would rather check beforehand on suspicious activity than be called to investigate a crime after it is committed.

Please remember, timely reporting is important. Dial 911 as soon as you witness suspicious activity!  Do not yell at or chase the suspect away.  Call 911, and give suspect and vehicle description to help the police respond appropriately or even catch a suspect.

Submitted by the St. Paul Police Crime Prevention unit.