Aurora Police Guide to Knowing When to Call the Police
What Is Suspicious? When Do I Call the Police?
Helpful tips and hints about suspicious activities and what you can do to protect yourself and your neighbors.
| Individuals |
| Circumstance | Possible Crime |
| Going door to door in a residential area, especially if one or more of the individuals goes to rear of residence. | Possible burglary, theft, or trespassing. |
| Waiting or loitering in front of a house or business, if the business is closed or the house unoccupied. | Possible burglary. |
| Individuals that appear to be forcibly entering your neighbor's house when it is unoccupied. | Possible burglary, theft, or trespassing. |
| Individuals running, especially if something of value is being carried. | Possible suspects fleeing from a crime scene. |
| Individuals carrying unwrapped property at an unusual hour. | Possible suspects fleeing from a burglary or robbery. |
| A large amount of human traffic traveling to and from a certain residence if it occurs on a daily or regular basis. | Possible vice or fence operation. |
| Screaming. | Possible rape or assault. |
| Individuals seen loitering around or peering into cars in parking lots or on the streets. | Possible car theft. |
| Individuals seen loitering around schools, parks, or secluded areas. | Possible sex offenders or drug dealers. |
| Individuals offering items for sale that are not associated with a vendor. | Possible attempt to sell stolen property. |
|
| Vehicles |
| Circumstance | Possible Crime |
| Slow moving vehicles driving without headlights, especially if the vehicle's course appears to be aimless. This is suspicious in any location, especially on residential streets or near schools and playgrounds. | Possible burglary, drug deal, or sex offense. |
| Parked vehicles containing one or more individuals, especially if observed at an unusual hour. | Possible lookouts for a burglary or robbery. |
| Vehicles parked near a closed business or unoccupied residence, where individuals are loading valuables into them. | Possible burglary or theft in progress. |
| Abandoned or unfamiliar vehicles parked on your block. | Possible stolen car. |
| Vehicles that contain weapons. | Possible criminal activity. |
| Vehicles that appear to have business dealings conducted within them, especially if parked near schools or parks. | Possible attempt to sell stolen items or drugs. |
| Locked, unoccupied vehicles that someone is attempting to forcibly enter. | Possible burglary. |
| Individuals detaching mechanical parts or accessories from a vehicle. | Possible theft or vandalism. |
| Objects being thrown from a vehicle. | Possible disposal of contraband. |
|
| Property |
| Circumstance | Possible Crime |
| Large accumulations of property in homes, garages, or storage areas, especially if items are in good condition but not in use. | Possible stolen property. |
| Property offered for sale on the street at a very low price. | Possible stolen property. |
| Property in vehicles that is not normally found in vehicles such as television sets, stereos, or guns, especially if observed at an unusual hour. | Possible stolen property. |
| Individuals carrying unwrapped property, especially suspicious if at an unusual hour or unusual place. Very questionable if the individual is running. | Possible burglary, theft, or robbery. |
| Property being removed from a closed business or unoccupied residence at an unusual hour. | Possible burglary or theft. |
| Continuous repair operations at locations other than a business. | Possible altering of stolen property. |
| Open or broken doors or windows at a closed business or an unoccupied residence. | Possible burglary in progress, or vandalism. |
| Unusual noises such as gunshots, screaming, or continuously barking dogs. | Possible burglary, assault, or rape. |
| Other Suspicious Activity |
| Sound of breaking glass. | Possible burglary or vandalism. |
| Individuals exhibiting unusual mental or physical behaviors. | Possible individuals injured, under the influence of drugs, or otherwise needing medical attention. |
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If you observe any of these suspicious activities, please call the Aurora Police Dispatch (303-627-3100).
Identification of Suspects
As a victim or a witness to a crime, you can assist the police by giving an accurate and complete description of the suspect.
The major factors to identify when describing a suspect are:
- Race (African American, Asian, Caucasian, etc.)
- Height (as compared to some other person or object near the suspect)
- Weight (as compared to some other person)
- Hair color
- Eye color
- Visible scars
- Accurate description of the person's clothing
- Peculiar speech patters or a specific manner of dress
Another way you can help police is to become aware of the actions of those around you:
- Know your neighborhood and your neighbors. Be alert to strangers.
- Get to know when your neighbors leave and return from work.
- Be on the lookout for unusual activity such as:
- Unfamiliar cars driving slowly or parked in private home driveways
- Suspicious looking strangers
- Unusual phone calls
Unusual activity should be reported to the police department. DO NOT attempt to investigate strange actions or apprehend suspects by yourself.
For more information, call 303-627-3100.
To learn more about crime prevention and what you can do to protect yourself and your neighbors, call 303-739-6339.
For information on the Neighborhood Watch Program
| District 1, Sector A | 303-739-1808 |
| District 1, Sector B | 303-739-6986 |
| District 2 | 303-739-6344 |
| District 3 | 303-627-8171 |
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