05/06/2026
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN DESCRIBING AN ALLEGED SUSPECT?
When reporting a crime or suspicious behaviour, accurate information can make a significant difference.
Rather than focusing on assumptions, try to observe and remember specific details that can assist law enforcement and security teams.
Here are 5 key things to look out for:
1️⃣ Clothing
What was the person wearing? Note colours, logos, hats, jackets, shoes, or any distinctive items. Try and focus on the shoes - sometimes they can swop jackets and/or hats, but they rarely have a change of shoes ready.
2️⃣ Physical Features
Gender, approximate height, build, hair colour, facial hair, tattoos, scars, or other noticeable features.
3️⃣ Direction of Travel
Which direction did they go? Did they leave on foot, by bicycle, or in a vehicle?
4️⃣ Vehicle Information
If a vehicle was involved, note the make, model, colour, registration number (if possible), and any distinguishing features like bumps, broken lights or stickers.
5️⃣ Behaviour
What exactly did you observe? For example:
• Looking into properties
• Testing gates or doors
• Moving between properties
• Driving repeatedly through an area
• Attempting to conceal their identity
Remember, it is not your role to investigate or confront anyone. Your role is to observe, remain safe, and report factual information.
The more accurate the information, the more useful it is to responding authorities.
Observe. Remember. Report.
