By  Mayor JoAnn B. Seghini

The news would make it appear that we are all under attack, that we are helpless and cannot control our world.  This is only true if we fail to work together to make our community and our neighborhood safe.  A national campaign has developed a slogan, “If you see something, say something.”  This means that we need to report things that don’t seem to be right.  Examples in your neighborhood might be:

When someone entering a neighbor’s house when it is unoccupied.

When someone knocks on your neighbor’s door and then when no one answers they walk to the back of the residence.

When someone appears to be moving items from the home when the owners are not there.

When slow moving vehicles are driving through the neighborhood without their lights on, as if searching for something.

When there is an unfamiliar car left running or parked on your street.

When someone is screaming or making a noise that you cannot not explain such as gun shots, alarms, or windows being broken.

When there is excessive traffic to and from a resident, especially during unusual hours.

Please keep an eye on neighbors that cannot leave their house.  If they have not been seen lately, call police dispatch (801) 743-7000 and ask for a wellness check.

Also be alert when you are traveling or shopping.  Regularly check behind you to be sure that you are not being followed.  Other signs that might represent problems are:

When someone is looking into cars or windows.

When there is property being removed from homes or businesses during non-business hours.

When there is someone sitting in a car watching shoppers & businesses and attempts to talk to a child in the area.

When someone is waiting or hanging around ATM machines.

Remember to keep purses and wallets where they cannot be seen or taken.

Do not post on Facebook that you are going on vacation.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Be a good witness by not placing yourself or others in danger.  Make a mental picture of the suspects and the environment.  Call police (911) and your call will be answered by a civilian dispatcher. 

Stay calm.  The dispatcher must collect important information from you and relay it to responding officers.  Write down everything you see and hear as soon as possible, then call the Unified Police at (801) 743-7000 or 9-1-1-if it is an emergency.

When reporting suspicious activity this includes:

A brief description of the suspicious activity.

The date, time, and location of the activity.

A physical identification of who you observed.

A description of the vehicle.

Information about where people involved in suspicious activities may have gone.

Your name and contact information, this is optional.

Remember, 9-1-1 is an emergency number.  For non-emergencies please call (801) 743-7000 and you will be connected to the police who will follow up on your information.

During 2016 be safe.  If you see something, say something.  A happy, safe new year to you all.