Two Homes Robbed, Decatur Police Department to Host Burglary Prevention Presentation

On Sunday, April 20, Decatur Police responded to a residential burglary in the 100 block of Springdale Street. The victim reported the burglary occurred between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Entry was made by breaking a sliding glass door. Electronics were taken.

On Monday, April 22, Decatur Police responded to a residential burglary in the 500 block of Nelson Ferry Road. The victim reported the burglary occurred between noon and 7 p.m.

Entry was made by kicking in a rear door. Electronics and bicycles were taken. Based on the size and amount of items taken the suspect(s) were most likely in a vehicle.

From the Decatur Police Department:

"There is no way for officers to know where approximately 20,000 residents live and who or what vehicles normally come and go from individual homes. The police are dependent on you to call whenever you observe suspicious persons, activities or motor vehicles.

We sometimes fail to call the police simply because we are not aware of what seemingly innocent activities might be suspicious. Other times we may notice suspicious activity and be hesitant to call for fear of seeming nosey or rude.

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 okay. Think of what might have happened if you didn't call."

How to identify a 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 person(s) 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?