Crime & Safety

Police: Watch Out for Your Neighbors, Report Suspicious Behavior

Decatur Police are reminding residents to report suspicious behavior that may mean a burglary is under way.

After a Mercedes was stolen from a Decatur driveway Monday following a breakin, police are reminding residents to call if they see something or someone suspicious in their neighborhood.

Decatur Police were called to a burglar alarm in the 100 block of Bruton Street about 8:55 a.m. Officers arrived and saw the garage doors were ajar, the gate into the backyard was broken off its hinges and a rear living room window had been broken.

A vehicle parked in the garage was found with the keys in the ignition in the on position, but not running. After officers talked to the homeowner, they learned a red Mercedes E320 with the GA tag (PEX 2935) was missing.

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A maintenance worker at a neighboring house reported seeing a black woman in the area before the burglary. She was described as about 30 to 40 years old, about 5'7", wearing a white shirt and blue jeans.

Reminder About Neighborhood Safety

Watch out for your neighbors and call police immediately if you observe suspicious behavior. Not only is it the neighborly thing to do, everyone benefits from the added security that comes with knowing the people who share the space around you and looking out for each other.

Residents sometimes fail to call the police simply because they are not aware of what seemingly innocent activities might be suspicious. Other times neighbors may notice suspicious activity and be hesitant to call for fear of seeming nosey or rude, say police. Sometimes residents assume someone else saw or heard something and already called. 

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Call the police immediately about all suspicious activity and do it yourself, anonymously if you wish. You may have more information than another caller. Do not worry about bothering the police or being embarrassed if your suspicions prove unfounded. Officers can quickly check out a person who may end up being a repair worker or friend who stopped by unexpectedly and make sure everything is OK. 

How Do I Identify A Suspicious Person As Suspicious?

People aren't suspicious, behavior is. Although we say "suspicious person" or "suspicious vehicle", it is in fact the behavior that is suspicious.
  • Do you see someone you do not recognize loitering on a neighbor's property or going to/coming from the side or rear of the house?
  • Do you see a vehicle in your neighbor's driveway, especially backed-in, that you do not recognize or at a time when nobody is usually home?
  • Do you see people going door to door, especially if they go to the side or rear of the house?
  • Do you see someone waiting or loitering near a neighbor's house, looking around as though they are trying to check to see if anyone is watching them?
  • Do you hear glass breaking or the striking, banging noise caused by a door being kicked in?
  • Do you see the same unknown vehicle circulating the area, driving slowly, stopping in front of your neighbor's houses?


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