Haddonfield Police Department

What is Suspicious?

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• A stranger entering your neighbor’s house when they are away maybe a burglar.
• Someone screaming might indicate a robbery or rape has occurred.
• Offers of merchandise at ridiculously low prices are often too good to be true and might actually be stolen property.
• Anyone removing accessories, a license plate, or gasoline from a car should be reported.
• Anyone peering into parked cars maybe looking to steal a car or the valuables inside.
• Persons entering or leaving a business after hours may not be workers, but burglars.
• The sound of breaking glass or a loud explosive noise might indicate an accident, burglary or vandalism.
• Persons loitering around schools, parks, secluded areas, and neighborhoods might be sex offenders waiting for a victim.
• When you see someone going door-to-door in your neighborhood, watch for a while. Do they turn the doorknob to see if it’s locked? Do they go around to the side or rear yard to see if someone is home? If so these individuals might be burglars. Such action is even more suspicious if one-person remains in front of the house or if there is a car following the individuals.
• Someone waiting in front of a house or business becomes suspect if the owner is absent, or the business is closed. This person might be a lookout for a burglary in progress.
• Anyone tampering or forcing their way into a residence, business, or vehicle is suspicious anytime, anywhere.
• A person running, especially if they are carrying something of value, could be leaving the scene of a crime.
• A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms maybe injured, under the influence of drugs, or otherwise needing medical or psychiatric assistance.
• Heavy foot or vehicle traffic to and from a certain residence is not suspicious unless it occurs on a daily or very regular basis, especially during late or unusual hours. Such activity might suggest drug sales. Take note on dates, times, description of vehicles and people.
• Unusual noises such as gunshots, screams, sounds of combat, abnormally barking dogs, or anything that might suggest foul play, danger, or illegal activity should be reported.
• Any vehicle moving slowly without lights, or following a course that appears aimless or repetitive, is suspicious in any location but particularly so in areas of schools, parks, and playgrounds. Occupants maybe “casing” a place to rob or burglarize or they might be drug dealers or a sex offender.
• Parked occupied vehicles containing one or more persons are especially suspicious if observed at an unusual hour. They could be possible lookouts for a burglary in progress, even if the occupants appear to be lovers.
• Vehicles being loaded with valuables are suspicious if parked in front of a closed business or unattended residence – even if the vehicle looks legitimate. More and more professional thieves are taking the time and trouble to “customize” their vehicles with special signs in order to move more freely without suspicion.
• An apparent business transaction conducted from a vehicle, especially around schools or parks and if juveniles are involved, could mean possible drug sales.
• A person being forced into a vehicle, especially a juvenile or female maybe a possible kidnapping.
• An abandoned vehicle parked on your block may be a stolen car.

Subjects:

Child Safety Tips Regarding Strangers
What is Suspicious?
Don’t be a Victim
Make Yourself a Good Witness
Most Common Juvenile Delinquencies Experienced
Juvenile Arrest / Police Diversion Information
Firearms Applications and Investigations Information