1. 

   phoo
   

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   Member

   I've heard people here say to call the (non-emergency) police if someone seems to be casing a place, but I am just not sure if that would help when there's little to go on.

   I just had a case of some dude with one of those very small bikes knock on my door randomly. Lucky for me, I just got a peephole finally, so I didn't have to open my door. He said he was my "new neighbor." I asked him from what unit (cause I know there's only one open), he said "from across the street" and sounded like he was asking for "where is fairview" is or somesuch. I dunno what he was talking about, but my gut said the situation wasn't right, so no door opening, even though it's terribly awkward to yell through door. Why would a neighbor "from across the street" (very vague and there's a church directly across the street) knock on my door randomly for directions?

   Whether I am paranoid or something is hinky, gut says don't open door. But I am not sure it is something that would be reported to the place, since it is technically possible. I might report someone skulking around in a yard that didn't belong there or definitely trying to open windows.

   What is the standard you use to report something to the non-emergency line? Is there a point to reporting it and would they take such a story seriously?

   Update:
   I looked up the listing of various folks to call at the North precinct and got a hold of one. Apparently, this is one of the times to call 911. I was raised to strictly call 911 only if someone is immediately in danger, so I did not think this was a time to call. It also turns out that I was not the only one to report this guy.

   Posted 5 months ago #
2. 

   onederfullone
   

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   Member

   You were in danger. Follow your gut, if it says 'DO NOT open the door', you need to call it in as well.

   I'm not saying police will immediately come and check it out, but your description could go a very long way in identifying an individual that could very well take advantage of a vacant home, or less aware individual.

   Always call suspicious stuff in, always, it's really all we've got.

   Posted 5 months ago #
3. 

   VeganBiker
   

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   Member

   Phoo - here is what SPD has posted on their web site: http://www.seattle.gov/police/contact/911.htm

   "WHEN SHOULD I CALL 9-1-1?
   YOU SHOULD CALL 9-1-1 . . .
   When you have a Police, Fire or Medical emergency.
   There is a situation that could, or does, pose a danger to life, property or both.
   There is a suspicious activity involving a person(s) or vehicle that appears to have criminal intent.
   Any situation that requires immediate dispatch of an officer.
   Remain calm and patient while the 9-1-1 calltaker asks you questions. 9-1-1 calltakers are trained to ask specific questions that quickly determine what is wrong, and what type of assistance to send.

   Please stay on the line until the calltaker tells you to hang up.

   WHEN SHOULD I CALL THE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER?
   THE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER IS (206) 625-5011
   You want to report a nuisance, such as a noise or parking complaint.
   To report a non-emergency crime - one that did not just occur, and the suspects are not in the immediate area.
   You have questions about something suspicious occurring in your neighborhood, and you are not sure it is criminal activity.
   The calltaker will determines how best to handle your call. In some cases, your information will be taken and you will get a call back from the telephone reporting unit, and your report may be taken over the phone."

   I have talked to both Officer Scott McGlasham (Community Police Team) and Terrie Johnson (Crime Prevention Section) and both have told me to call 911 anytime I see something that might be suspicious. One thing to remember is that the police can't do anything about people or things that they don't know about, so if you sense something is wrong call them and talk to someone at SPD. Better safe than sorry.

   Posted 5 months ago #
4. 

   Cheese
   

   offline

   Member

   Trust the hinky feeling, and let the 911 people figure it out. The dude had no compelling reason to be knocking on doors.

   And from the specimens that I've seen riding the super tiny bikes, I would certainly never open my door to them. Prejudice? Yeah, but hey if they want to look and behave hinky - right back at ya!

   Posted 5 months ago #
5. 

   lifeisamazing
   

   offline

   Member

   One, VB and Cheese +1
   Take care of yourself!
   I'm a big call the cops kinda gal.
   I have never yet had one say it was a bad idea.
   I heard what I thought was a window breaking and called. They came right out and walked around the neighbors house.
   They saw nothing but said it was good I called.
   I've called more than once from the freeway when there is something in the road. Something that is no big deal for a car to go around could bring down a motorcycle (I used to ride).
   Like the others have said, they will sort out what to do.
   In a situation where I'm not in imminent danger but they need to come out right away if they want to question the hinkey person (like in your situation)I have also called and said "This is not quite an emergency so take another call if you need to" and they seem to appreciate that.
   Good for you for not opening your door!

   Posted 5 months ago #
6. 

   gracie
   

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   Member

   phoo - this is typical of people who are just seeing if you are home & if no answer, then break in. It happened to a friend at work. She foiled their attempt initially by answering the door. The kid had some stupid question just like yours which she unfortunately answered (asked if her car in front). Sure enough shortly after that she was burglarized & her car wasn't out front. Then she got hit again but this time alert neighbor saw suspicious people by her house, got the license number of car as it sped away. Suspects arrested. Unfortunately none of her property was ever recovered.
   So phoo - always call.

   Posted 5 months ago #
7. 

   phoo
   

   offline

   Member

   Yah, I knew what it was, I just didn't know if it was enough to tell the police. Now I know. As a bonus, maybe it was easier to track him, because they'd had another call so they could see what direction he was headed in.

   I am really good at trusting my gut - it has likely saved me more times than I know. I just don't trust that other people will listen to my gut. ;)

   Posted 5 months ago #

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