Suspicious Activity

It is important to the Sheriff’s Department that their citizens are alert, vigilant and are able to recognize and report suspicious activity.  As responsible citizens, we hold an advantage over local law enforcement because we are most familiar with our particular area. We are more likely to recognize something unusual, and are their eyes and ears.

What is suspicious activity? Suspicious activity is a behavior that could indicate an illegal activity is going to happen, is in progress, or will happen. Wikia goes on to define suspicious activity as “Observed behavior reasonably indicative of pre-operational planning related to terrorism or other criminal activity.” It can be as subtle as someone standing on a street corner, or a vehicle parked in a fire lane.

It is important to understand that suspicious activity is not the same thing as odd behavior. A person wearing a clown wig could be considered odd while a person looking into vehicles would be suspicious. Suspicious activity has a goal or outcome of committing a crime.

Learning to recognize suspicious activity is a skill that when properly applied will help to safeguard your area. The following list outlines several situations that may be perfectly innocent. However, it is suspicious activity that could also be crime-related.

Suspicious Activity Indicators:

Vehicles:

• Unknown vehicles parked in your area. Individuals sitting in a parked car for an extended period of time.
• Person sleeping inside a vehicle.
• Vehicles parked illegally.
• Vehicles stopped in the roadway at awkward angles could indicate a traffic accident.
• A vehicle with an open door or trunk with no one around.
• A vehicle with damage such as a broken window or a punched ignition.

People:

• People loitering around your location with no apparent or valid reason.
• People hanging out by businesses after hours.
• Someone running away especially if something valuable is being carried. They may be leaving the scene of a crime.
• Anyone ringing a doorbell or knocking on a door without a reasonable explanation for doing so.
• People who may try to have a “cover story” or appear ‘normal’ in their behavior such as portraying a student, shopper or tourist.
• Anybody moving property may be considered suspicious. If it is late at night or if the item is not wrapped, it is possible that the article has been stolen.
• Somebody going from house to house, such as a sales person. This is particularly suspicious if people go into a back or side yard, while another may be posted out front.

Activity:

• A large number of comings and goings from a particular house. Daily or very regular visits, especially during late or unusual hours, could signify vice or drug related activities.
• Multiple sightings of the same suspicious person, vehicle, or activity.
• Unusual requests for information, particularly about security or procedures for at-risk buildings.
• Testing local residents by breaching restricted areas to determine if anyone will react.
• Criminals may conduct training, surveillance and “dry runs” prior to an act.
• Any activity or event you observe that makes you feel uncomfortable.

With all of the above situations you must use your common sense. In the majority of situations there is a perfectly innocent explanation for what you see. However, if you are not certain, call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, (805) 654-9511, to speak with a 24/7 operator, and explain the situation. It is your job to observe and report. It is the job of the police to investigate.

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This post was written by safetyfadmin