Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE | Reporting Suspicious Activity

The Downey Police Department is asking the public to remain vigilant of any suspicious activity in their neighborhood. This is important because often times this activity can lead to criminal activity. We are requesting that if you see anything that seems suspicious to you, please call the police immediately. Be prepared to explain why the activity is suspicious or unusual, and to give detailed descriptions of the suspicious persons or vehicles. This information will assist the responding officers as they arrive to investigate. Many crimes thwarted by the police are a direct result of citizen calls. Usually the public is the first to notice something unusual in the neighborhood and is the best source of information for the police. A good partnership between the community and the police department is of paramount importance and essential to curtailing criminal activity within our city.

Burglary is one crime that can be greatly affected by citizen participation. These crimes happen everywhere and the city of Downey is not exempt. Burglaries typically leave victims feeling violated and fearful, but can be prevented in many cases. Criminals tend to be opportunists and often work in groups of two or more. They may also have a look-out to warn them of police or potential witnesses. It is also common for them to arrive in a vehicle which they may park nearby or in a driveway. In addition to being aware of suspicious activity, residents can help protect their homes by making their homes more difficult to break into and less of a target.

Here are some important tips to protect you and your family:

TIPS:
-One of the most important things to do is call the police to report a crime or any suspicious activity. You can remain an anonymous caller.
-Alarm systems with visible signage are effective deterrents.
While you are on vacation, have newspapers, mail, and flyers picked up from your home or have these scheduled deliveries stopped until you return.
-Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you are gone.
-Use interior lighting to show occupancy.
-Exterior light and/or motion activated lights are an excellent way to light the perimeter of your residence.
Make sure exterior lighting illuminates your walkway and front doorway.
-Keep shrubbery around buildings/residences trimmed to prevent anyone from hiding on your property.
-Keep residence doors and windows locked whenever you are out, and lock side yard gates to prevent burglars from easily gaining entry to your rear yard.

To provide information ANONYMOUSLY, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or by texting the letters TIPLA, plus, to CRIMES (274637) or by using the website.