Suspicious vehicles are usually slow moving and are particularly suspect if in the evening without lights. If the course followed appears aimless, or repetitive, it is worth reporting. This is suspicious in any location, but particularly in the area of schools, parks or playgrounds. Report this as possible "casing" for places to rob or burglarize, a possible drug pusher or sex offender.

Vehicles being loaded with valuables is always suspicious if parked in front of a closed business or an owner-absent residence. This is true even if the vehicle is a legitimate-looking commercial van, moving van, repair vehicle (with normal looking signage.) Possible significance: burglary or other theft in progress.

Other unusual activities involving vehicles can be an abandoned car. It could be stolen. Any vehicle containing weapons is suspicious under all circumstances. Criminal activity. Any persons attempting to forcibly enter a locked vehicle, or persons detaching parts or accessories from vehicles, especially at night in the street or in a parking lot or garage may be involved in theft or malicious mischief.

Property in vehicles is not suspicious unless the property is not normally found in vehicles such as TV sets, stereos, unmounted tape decks, auto parts and computers. Clearly, stolen property.

Other unusual situations include: large accumulations of property in good condition stored in homes, storage areas, and private garages; property carried by unknown persons on foot; property being removed from or being placed into vehicles or buildings at unusual hours, at closed businesses, or residences with absentee owners. Also significant are open or broken doors or windows at closed businesses or homes when owner could be away. As we discussed last week, Suspicious Activity forms are available from Neighborhood Watch at the library.

Call police 9-1-1 immediately if you hear gunshots, screaming, sounds of combat, abnormally barking dogs—anything suggestive of foul play, danger or illegal activity. Call 538-2000 (toll-free 484-3154) if it is a non-emergency or happened at an earlier time.

REMINDER: The Press Club of Rancho Bernardo will hear guest speaker Larry Campbell, a special agent of the FBI from 1968-98 at its regular monthly meeting Friday, November 10 at 10:30 a.m. in the community meeting room on the second floor of San Diego National Bank, 16789 Bernardo Center Drive.