The Manchester Police Department is aware of concerns regarding individuals being followed or stalked at local businesses. Your safety is their top priority, and they urge the public to report these incidents directly to law enforcement rather than solely posting them on social media.
What to Do If You Believe You Are Being Followed or Stalked:
1. Report It Immediately: If you feel unsafe or believe you are being followed, call 911 or contact your local law enforcement agency while the incident is occurring whenever possible. Prompt reporting allows officers to respond in real time and investigate the situation effectively.
2. Stay in a Safe, Public Area: If inside a store, notify an employee or manager and ask for assistance. Do not walk to your vehicle alone if you feel uneasy.
3. Provide Descriptions: Try to remember and relay identifying details about the individual(s) involved, including physical appearance, clothing, vehicle make, model, tag number, or any unusual behavior.
4. Save Evidence: If safe to do so, document the situation with photos or videos and note the time, location, and any interactions. Security camera footage from businesses can also be valuable in investigations.
5. File a Police Report: Even if the incident has passed, reporting it “officially” helps law enforcement track patterns of suspicious behavior and take appropriate action.
Why Reporting to Law Enforcement is Critical:
While social media can help spread awareness, it is not a substitute for filing an official report. Posting online without notifying law enforcement diminishes their ability to investigate, identify suspects, or prevent similar incidents properly. Every report provides valuable information that helps protect our community.
If you have experienced or witnessed suspicious activity, contact the Manchester Police Department dispatch line at (931) 728-2991 or call 911 in an emergency.
Stay alert, stay safe, and report suspicious behavior promptly.
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