The Value of a Nosey Neighbor:
The best friend a resident can have
By Sgt. Tom Jedic
It's 2 O'clock in the afternoon and you're home from work early relaxing on the couch, suddenly you see someone walking around the outside of your next door neighbor's home, you watch curiously, the person is someone you're not familiar with. Hmm, perhaps he's the meter reader, maybe, but why wasn't your house checked? Maybe he's delivering a package, could be...but maybe he isn't!
You know your neighbor well, this isn't his son or any friend you recognize, you ask yourself maybe I should call the police? Then you think no, they'll think I'm a nuisance, crying wolf. Well we can't ask any stronger MAKE THE CALL.
MAKE THE CALL each and every time something arouses your suspicion. Your local Police Department IS here to serve you and all of your neighbors. It cannot be stressed enough the importance of early detection when it comes to crimes like burglary or theft. Even with motorized patrols, the odds of being able to spot a criminal in the actual act of breaking into a home are rare. Sure, heavy patrols can deter someone from committing a crime in the first place and Police are often successful in apprehending someone after the fact. Often diligent investigative work, tips and contact with the suspect shortly after a crime can lead to an arrest. But NOTHING works as well as early information.
Responding police are trained to arrive, assess and decide which is a real crime or incident and which isn't. Maybe the person you saw does have a legitimate reason for walking around the perimeter of your neighbors' home. If they do, being checked by the police is easily explained to them and rarely causes resentment. If they're not there with good intent, it can and has stopped a crime and better yet, led to the arrest of criminals bent on entering a home.
Perhaps the best advice is this, CALL and don't delay calling. Your local police are ready and trained to take action. NEVER take action yourself, it can be dangerous. Timely notification is the key. Remember this advice: If it looks or sounds suspicious, it probably is. Providing a good description of the person(s), direction of travel, vehicle information and any other details you can, will help tremendously.
Sgt. Tom Jedic of the Fanwood, NJ Police Department is involved in Community Policing and local Senior's affairs. More of Sgt. Jedic's tips can be found on the Fanwood Community Policing Page
