How to Report a Crime

The San Gabriel Police Department serves the public 24 hours a day, every day of the year.   Whether you reach us by telephone or walk into the Police Department lobby, we are here to help you.  The Department’s primary responsibility is to protect life and property within the City of San Gabriel.

 No Police Department can function effectively without the concerned assistance of responsible citizens.  We depend on you to call whenever you observe suspicious activity.

 Generally, people fail to call the police because they are not aware that seemingly innocent activities might be suspicious.  Others may notice suspicious activity and be hesitant to call for fear of seeming a “nosy neighbor.”  Still, others assume that someone else has called.

Please call the San Gabriel Police Department about all suspicious activity.  Don’t worry about “bothering” the police because we welcome your interest.  Don’t worry about being embarrassed if your suspicions prove unfounded; consider instead what could happen if you don’t act.

 When you call the Police, a trained Dispatcher will ask the following questions:

What happened?   When?  Where?  Is anyone injured?  What is the vehicle license number and description? What is the description of the person(s) involved, including clothing.  When describing suspects notice:  age, race, sex, height, and weight.  Compare your weight and height with the suspects.

 What is suspicious? 

Basically, anything that seems even slightly “out of place” for your area or for the time of day during which it occurs may mean criminal activity.

 Some of the most obvious things to watch for and report include:

  • A stranger entering your neighbor’s house when it is unoccupied may be a burglar.
  •  A scream heard anywhere may mean a robbery or rape.  
  • Offers of merchandise at a ridiculously low price could mean stolen property.
  •  Anyone removing accessories, license plates, or gasoline from cars should be reported.
  • Anyone peering into parked cars may be looking for a car to steal or for valuables left displayed in the car.
  •  Persons entering or leaving a place of business after hours could mean burglars.
  •  Persons loitering around the neighborhood who do not live there could be burglars.
  •  Someone going door-to-door in your neighborhood. Watch for a while, and if after a few houses are visited, one or more persons tries to see if it is unlocked or locked, or goes into a back or side yard, it could be a burglar.  Such activity is even more suspicious if one person remains in the front when this occurs or there is a car following that person a few houses away.

These are just a few tips on what may be suspicious in your neighborhood.  This is what Neighborhood Watch is all about; knowing who belongs and who does not on your street.  “Help us help you!”  

If you require police assistance call (626) 308-2828.  If it is an emergency, immediately dial 9-1-1.