What to Do if There’s a Stranger on Your Street

At what point should your suspicions rise to the level of action? And what specific action should you take?

The answer isn’t always clear, but if you know when to ask more questions or when to report suspicious activity—and what specifically to relay to law enforcement—you can help keep your neighborhood safe.

The Definition of Suspicious Activity

Suspicious activity is anything going on that feels uncomfortable or out of place, according to the National Sheriffs’ Association. It can include any of the following:

• Windows of a house that are broken or open when the weather dictates otherwise
• Someone looking in car windows
• The sound of gunshots, screaming, or fighting
• A lot of cars coming and going from a house
• Strange odors coming from a house
• Activity near gas, electrical, or sewer systems without any kind of identification relevant to a related company

Check Bias

We all have ideas about what a suspicious person looks like or ideas around who we expect to be in our neighborhood, but they don’t always match reality. A person you don’t recognize could be suspicious, or they could be taking a walk in a new-to-them neighborhood or visiting from out of town.

If they aren’t engaging in any other suspicious behavior like that above, wave or say hello from a safe distance. If they’re lingering around a particular home or property and you know the resident, reach out by phone to the resident. Unless you can clearly see a crime in progress or that someone is in imminent danger, it’s a good idea to take a pause before taking the next step.

How to Make the Next Move

If you know the resident of the property you spot activity on, it can be a good idea to give them a call (from a safe distance) to check that everything is OK. But if you can’t get a hold of them, they confirm suspicions, or you’re positive you see a crime in progress, call 911. Stay composed and explain what you saw, heard, or smelled, and the precise location. Stay on the phone with the dispatcher and be available to answer all their questions.

Other than reporting suspicious activity or a crime you’re witnessing, you should only call 911 for medical emergencies, fire, vehicle accidents, or when someone’s life is in danger.

It’s All in the Details

One of the best ways you can help law enforcement follow your lead is by providing as much detailed information as possible. Note the person’s appearance, vehicle, and direction of travel.

Describe exactly what they’re doing and make note of what time it is. How long has the suspicious activity been taking place? Are the homeowners typically away at work at this time each day?

Always check with your local law enforcement jurisdiction about different ways to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Some agencies have a web page set up for you to report. Others have a number you can text. Some even have apps that allow you to relay your information so law enforcement can track it down.

Whatever you do, once you report the suspicious activity, stay a safe distance away.

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