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What is suspicious activity?

 

Terrorist events don't just happen. There is a certain amount of planning and preparation that must take place. It is during this time that they may be most vulnerable to detection.

Whatever doesn't look or seem normal to the place, time or situation might be considered as suspicious activity.

We've all experienced the sense that something seemed odd or out of place, either at the time we observe it or in thinking about it afterwards. Our senses may have "told" us that something wasn't quite right. Later we might read in the paper or see in the news that what we observed was related to some tragedy or even a criminal event.

Some examples of activity that might be an indication of terrorist or criminal planning and preparation include:

  • Surveillance: someone taking unusual interest to a building or area
  • Photos, note taking and drawing of diagrams
  • The use of binoculars or night vision devices
  • Someone asking unusual and detailed questions about a building, area or event
  • Attempts to obtain fraudulent identification
  • Unusual pattern of coming and going from a residence
  • Someone highly attentive to locations of security cameras and methods
  • Unusual purchases or thefts
  • Attempts to gain access to secure areas.

These are just a few examples of what might be considered suspicious activity. In essence, anything that seems out of place to the circumstances or situation might be considered suspicious activity. Being alert to your community and surroundings is not being paranoid. It is good common sense.

To Report Suspicious Activity:

Use our online form or call, 24 hours a day:
877-786-3636 (toll-free throughout New England) / 207-624-7287
TTY: 877-789-0200 (toll-free) / 207-629-5793