How to Fight Crime
Stay in safe situations., Watch for suspicious drug activity., Watch for suspicious terrorist activity., Get details about any crime you witness., Contact local law enforcement.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Stay in safe situations.
Avoid walking by yourself at night, particularly though poorly lit areas.
Stay alert to your surroundings, and be mindful of people who may be watching or following you., Drug houses, where illegal drugs are bought and sold, can appear in any kind of neighborhood, especially ones where people are generally isolated.
If you notice the signs of drug activity surrounding a house in your neighborhood, take note, and contact the police.
These can include:
Excessive or unusual foot traffic around a house.
This can involve many people coming and going, people loitering around, or frequent visitors quickly entering and leaving.
Frequent traffic stops, especially if someone from the house comes out to talk to these cars.
Threatening activity, including obvious intimidation and violence, or a sudden increase in criminal activity around the house.
The direct exchange of drugs and money. , Keep an eye out for strange or unusual situations that can indicate a crime or potential crime involving terrorism.
These can include:
Unattended briefcases, suitcases, backpacks, or other packages.
Unusual smells or fumes.
Strangers asking questions about security procedures, or taking photos or videos of a building's security features. , In order to help, police will need as much detail as possible.
Get as much information as you can to share with law enforcement.
If possible, be sure to include:
The crime being committed.
The crime's location.
A physical address is good, but you can also note important landmarks nearby.
If you are in an urbanized area, the nearest cross streets are good to know.
A description of the suspect.
Look for any kind of distinguishing physical characteristic, including height, weight, build, skin and hair color, and physical markings (like scars or tattoos).
You don't need all of these things, but the more detail you can get, the better it will be.
Any items in use.
Are the criminals armed? Do they have tools to carry out the specific crime they are committing? A description of the victim.
This can be the person being victimized, or the building, in the case of vandalism, breaking and entering, and other types of property crime. , If an emergency is imminent, dial 9-1-1.
If not, contact your local police department.
When you report a crime, be sure to have all the details ready.
If you have information relating to a federal crime, such as violent crime, child pornography, human trafficking, terrorism, drug trafficking, and fraud, contact the FBI or Department of Justice. -
Step 2: Watch for suspicious drug activity.
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Step 3: Watch for suspicious terrorist activity.
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Step 4: Get details about any crime you witness.
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Step 5: Contact local law enforcement.
Detailed Guide
Avoid walking by yourself at night, particularly though poorly lit areas.
Stay alert to your surroundings, and be mindful of people who may be watching or following you., Drug houses, where illegal drugs are bought and sold, can appear in any kind of neighborhood, especially ones where people are generally isolated.
If you notice the signs of drug activity surrounding a house in your neighborhood, take note, and contact the police.
These can include:
Excessive or unusual foot traffic around a house.
This can involve many people coming and going, people loitering around, or frequent visitors quickly entering and leaving.
Frequent traffic stops, especially if someone from the house comes out to talk to these cars.
Threatening activity, including obvious intimidation and violence, or a sudden increase in criminal activity around the house.
The direct exchange of drugs and money. , Keep an eye out for strange or unusual situations that can indicate a crime or potential crime involving terrorism.
These can include:
Unattended briefcases, suitcases, backpacks, or other packages.
Unusual smells or fumes.
Strangers asking questions about security procedures, or taking photos or videos of a building's security features. , In order to help, police will need as much detail as possible.
Get as much information as you can to share with law enforcement.
If possible, be sure to include:
The crime being committed.
The crime's location.
A physical address is good, but you can also note important landmarks nearby.
If you are in an urbanized area, the nearest cross streets are good to know.
A description of the suspect.
Look for any kind of distinguishing physical characteristic, including height, weight, build, skin and hair color, and physical markings (like scars or tattoos).
You don't need all of these things, but the more detail you can get, the better it will be.
Any items in use.
Are the criminals armed? Do they have tools to carry out the specific crime they are committing? A description of the victim.
This can be the person being victimized, or the building, in the case of vandalism, breaking and entering, and other types of property crime. , If an emergency is imminent, dial 9-1-1.
If not, contact your local police department.
When you report a crime, be sure to have all the details ready.
If you have information relating to a federal crime, such as violent crime, child pornography, human trafficking, terrorism, drug trafficking, and fraud, contact the FBI or Department of Justice.
About the Author
Rebecca Collins
Brings years of experience writing about creative arts and related subjects.
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