Wards Corner Now – Wards Corner, Norfolk, Virginia

With the increase in reported robberies and burglaries in and around the Wards Corner area, please be reminded to report all suspicious activity to the police.  What is suspicious?  Below is an excerpt from the Norfolk Neighborhood Coordinators’ Manual, developed  by the Crime Prevention Division of the Norfolk Police Department.

WHAT IS SUSPICIOUS?

“Basically, anything that seems even slightly out of the ordinary . . . could be criminal activity.”

Examples (not a complete list):

• ƒA stranger inspecting or entering your neighbor’s home while your neighbor is away.
• Someone trying to open a neighbor’s door or window.
• A moving truck or van pulled up to a  neighbor’s home while they are gone.
• Remember, burglaries often occur at times when they should be most obvious (broad daylight, in full view of observers).
• Someone carrying property such as televisions, stereos, etc., at an unusually late hour or in an unusual place, especially if it does not appear that the property is newly purchased.
• The sound of shattering glass could signal a possible burglary, vandalism or larceny in progress.
• Anyone peering into vehicles as they walk down the street or someone removing tags, gasoline or parts from a vehicle.
• Someone attempting to enter a vehicle using a coat hanger or other device.
• Never assume that it is the owner who has locked his keys in his car.  Be suspicious of anyone tampering with the hood or trunk of a car.
• An improperly parked vehicle or abandoned  vehicle or someone leaving one vehicle and driving away in another may be signs of a stolen vehicle.
• Anyone being forced into a vehicle could be a victim of possible abduction.
• Persons loitering around schools, parks, and isolated areas or in the neighborhood.  These loiterers could be possible sex offenders or burglars.
• Business transactions conducted from  vehicles, especially around schools, playgrounds or parks.
• A steady flow of strangers to and from a particular house on a regular basis could indicate drug sales or a fencing operation (purchasing
• of stolen goods).
• Offers of goods or repair work at an unusually low price could indicate stolen property or some type of fraud.
• All fights, screams and loud noises (such as explosions) should be reported.
• Door-to-door solicitors without properly issued licenses and identification should be suspected.

“DON’T WAIT FOR SOMEONE ELSE  TO CALL.  CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY TO REPORT IN PROGRESS SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.”

Emergency:  911    Non-Emergency:  441-5610