Reporting Suspicious Vehicles: What to Watch and Note

An unfamiliar vehicle lingering on your street can be the first sign of casing for burglary or other crime. Knowing what to watch for, and what to report, turns a vague hunch into useful information for police.

What Looks Suspicious

• Slow, repeated passes by homes or parked cars.
• Occupants watching houses or sitting parked for long periods.
• Vehicles that don't belong to residents or visitors.

Details Worth Noting

Record the license plate, make, model, and color, plus the number and description of occupants. Note the direction of travel and time. A clear photo from a safe distance can help, but never put yourself at risk.

How to Report

For anything urgent or threatening, call 911. For non-emergencies, use your local non-emergency line. Sharing the sighting with neighbors keeps the whole block alert.

Sharpen your instincts with spotting suspicious activity and support your community crime watch.