“Walkers and runners can help maintain safe neighborhoods by keeping their eyes and ears open for anything suspicious,” said Capt. Jeff Papanek, police director for the Washington Twp. Substation of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. “No one knows an area better than those who live, walk, and run there.”
Walkers and runners should take their cellphones and report suspicious activity, if it seems safe to do so. Papanek emphasizes that people should not confront a suspicious person or investigate a suspicious situation on their own. “We’re simply asking everyone to be cognizant of their surroundings, report any activity or persons they believe to be suspicious or out of place, and to be the best witness they can safely be,” he said.
“Crime can occur in any neighborhood, even those considered safe,” said Papanek.
When running or walking in their neighborhood, residents are asked to look around for anything that seems out of place.
Additionally, if a resident spots a suspicious person, make note of their appearance and clothing to provide a useful description. If they see a suspicious vehicle, note its license plate number and make, model and color, along with the direction the vehicle was traveling. Note if there’s something unique about it, such as dents, wheel covers, or bumper stickers.
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