If you notice a suspicious car parked in front of your house, how unsettling it can be. Whether the car has been there for days or just a few hours, you may feel uneasy if you don’t recognize why the car park is outside your home.
While there are many reasons to park a suspicious car in front of your house, but you should not negate and instead should take steps to protect yourself and your property. Depending on the situation, you can call your local police station or take other precautions to ensure your safety.
Here, I’ll share what you should do if you see a suspicious car parked in front of your house. I’ll provide tips for staying safe and guide you on when to call the police or take other action.
Keeping the police department informed on the situation is essential. You should describe the car and other details, including the car brand name, color, and license plate number. So that they arrive to check out the suspicious car.
Why You Should Be Concerned
Sometimes we see unfamiliar cars parked in front of our house. That means all parked car is not for specious. But when a car is parked for an extended time, you should pay attention to them. Try to identify whether the car is for your neighbor’s guest or a delivery driver. If you don’t recognize something, be aware of the potential dangers and act.
I think most suspicious activity or parking a car can be a sign of criminal behavior. Criminals may park their cars in front of your house to case your home for a potential burglary or to conduct other illegal activities. So before contacting law enforcement, you should take safety for your house’s main door and children immediately.
Another reason a car parked in front of your house can be a sign of a parked vehicle violation. While there are no laws to prevent temporary parking in front of a house in most areas, some areas have laws that allow you to have a car towed if it is there for over 72 hours.
So if you think a parked car violates any parking laws, you can contact your local authorities to have it towed.
How to Identify a Suspicious Car?
You should take action if you notice a suspicious car in front of your house. Here are some tips on how to identify a suspicious car:
License Plate Number
First, try to get the license plate number of the car. If you can’t get close enough to read the license plate, try using your phone to take a picture that clearly shows the car number. The car license number must need if you compline police to take necessary action about criminal activity.
Detailed Description
Try to get a detailed car description, including the car brand name, model, and color. Don’t forget to note any distinguishing features, such as bumper stickers, dents, or scratches. Try capturing a photo using your mobile device for the entire car with the Zoom in or out feature.
Common Signs of Suspicious Activity
However, I’ll tell you some common signs of suspicious activity that you should look for when you see a suspicious car parked in front of your house. These include:
- The car has been parked in the same spot for over 72 hours.
- The car is caught on camera repeatedly passing by your house.
- The driver is on the phone for an extended time.
- The driver is smoking or acting nervously.
If you notice any of these signs, take action and report the suspicious activity to your nearest law authorities.
What to Do When You See a Suspicious Car Parked in Front of Your House
Assess the Situation
The first step is to assess the situation and close the main door of your house. Try to get an answer yourself is the car parked legally? Is it blocking your driveway or a fire hydrant? If the car is parked illegally and stays for a longer time, you can contact the local authorities to have it removed. If the car is parked legally, you should observe for a while to determine whether it’s truly suspicious.
Observe the Car in Detail
Observe the car in detail from a safe distance. Look for any signs of suspicious behavior, such as someone sitting in the car for an extended time, smoking, or using their phone inside the car. Try to take note of the car’s model and license plate number. If possible, try to get a detailed description of the car and any occupants.
Record the Details of the Car
If you have a phone camera, take a picture or video footage of the car. If you have a security camera, ensure the security camera is recording footage. Also, you must note how long the car has been parked.
In most cities in the USA, people can only park a car in the same spot for up to 72 hours.
Report the Incident
If you think the parked car is suspicious after observing everything, report your local authorities or call 911. You can report by calling the police or using the city’s website. Try to provide details of the car and any occupants, including the location and duration of the car’s presence.
You can remain anonymous if you prefer, but providing your name and contact information may help the authorities follow up with you if needed.
How to Prevent Suspicious Cars from Parking in Front of Your House?
Install a Security Camera
You can install a security camera to prevent suspicious cars from parking in front of your house. Try to install your surveillance cameras in front of the house, and they should be able to capture the full area of the house outside.
I recommend installing a security camera monitoring device (live footage display) in a common place of your room. So that you can keep an eye on any suspicious activity quickly and have evidence if anything happens. You can also set up alerts on your phone to notify you when the camera detects motion.
Install Motion Sensor Lights
I highly recommend installing motion sensor lights to prevent suspicious cars from parking in front of your house. These lights will turn on as soon as someone enters the area, deterring any potential intruders.
Try to install them in areas of your house where they will be most effective, such as near your driveway or front door.
Keep Your Yard Well-Lit
You can keep your yard well-lit to prevent suspicious cars from parking. In a well-lit place/yard, it’s difficult for anyone to hide. You can install porch lights at night and consider installing additional lighting around the perimeter of your entire house area.
Join a Neighborhood Watch Program
By working with your neighbors, you can keep an eye out for suspicious cars or individuals and report them to the police. This will also help to build a sense of community and make your neighborhood a safer place to live.
Remember, if you see a suspicious car parked, do not approach it. Instead, report it to the police immediately. Overall, by taking these steps, you can prevent suspicious activity in your area and keep your home and family safe.
Conclusion
If you notice a car parked in front of your house for an extended period with no sign of occupants getting out, that’s a red flag.
Before calling your local law authority, ensure the parked car has your neighbor or their guest. If you are sure about this and park cars stay longer, you can call a police emergency in your local area. They will investigate and take action if necessary.
Before exiting the page, you can read our guide on why someone takes photos of your house and what should you do.
