Crime prevention relies on alert residents

Residents are essential to preventing and reducing crime. Programs like Neighborhood Watch decrease neighborhood crime by 16 – 20%, but individual actions are essential.

“I tell people, if something seems suspicious, they should trust their instinct and report it,” said Katie Zerull, Bloomington’s crime prevention specialist.

Suspicious activities? Stay calm and call 9-1-1 or 952-563-4900 for nonemergencies.

Be ready to share details about location, people, vehicles, etc. and remain on the phone to answer follow-up questions.

“It’s helpful if residents note the person’s sex, age, race, height and weight, hair color and style, complexion, scars, tattoos and clothing,” Zerull added.

For suspicious vehicles, the license plate number, make, model, year, color, characteristics like marks and dents, the direction of travel and occupants are all useful details.

For information about crime prevention and an upcoming crime prevention workshop on February 18, visit blm.mn/crimeprevention.