Washington, D.C. - Following the terrorist attacks in Belgium, officials have noted there are no credible threats to the region, but they are encouraging area residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

“We can all help keep our communities safe by paying attention to our surroundings,” said David Snyder, who serves as Chairman of the National Capital Region Emergency Preparedness Committee. Snyder is also a City of Falls Church Councilmember. “If you see something suspicious, please say something to local law enforcement.”

Local, state, and federal public safety agencies continue to work together and coordinate prevention and protection initiatives.

Examples of Suspicious Activity

Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate terrorism or terrorism-related crime. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.
• Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
• Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

• If you see something suspicious, immediately call 911.
• If you remember something you saw earlier – whether it happened a few hours or days ago – call your local law enforcement agency’s non-emergency phone number.
• When reporting a suspicious activity, try to include: who or what you saw (e.g., height, weight, complexion, hair color, weapons, license plate and make of vehicle, etc.), when you saw it, where it occurred, and why it was suspicious

Information reported to law enforcement is shared with partners throughout the National Capital Region.

For more information on See Something, Say Something and reporting suspicious activity, please visit www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something