As many of our seasonal residents leave for the cooler weather in the North, those of us remaining behind are responsible to keep watch. It’s important to remember to call the Sheriff’s Office anytime you see something suspicious or out of the ordinary routine of your neighborhood.
Everyone knows to call 911 in an emergency, but have you saved our non-emergency number in your phone? The dispatch line for non-emergencies (941-639-0013) is answered 24 hours a day by a friendly dispatcher who is ready to provide assistance.
When you call the Sheriff’s Office, be prepared to answer these questions:
- Where are you?
- Where did the activity happen?
- When did the activity happen?
- What made it suspicious?
You may be asking yourself – what exactly is suspicious activity? Suspicious activity is when a person’s conduct or action does not fit the normal day-to-day activity of your community – an occurrence that is out of place.
Reporting the suspicious person or activity as soon as it is observed is also important. Immediate reporting gives deputies the opportunity to respond and evaluate the situation.
“Making a call to law enforcement can potentially prevent a crime from occurring,” states Sheriff Bill Prummell. “Our safe community is a partnership between all members, those with a badge and without.”
If you observe something unusual or think something looks wrong, report it!
Remember, always call 911 when there is an emergency. Our non-emergency number is 941-639-0013.