Strange Car in the Neighborhood

Nobody likes to see a vehicle, new to the neighborhood, parked in front of their home for any length of time.  When this happens to us, we should be concerned, especially as a homeowner with children.  The local law enforcement should be notified.  Being a part of a Neighborhood Watch program can be very beneficial in deterring crime.  These types of programs are not only to report suspicious activities and crime, but they are also designed to confront and resolve other problems within the neighborhood.  These problems could include drug abuse, loitering or abandoned cars, etc.  If you do not already have such a program in your neck of the woods, I highly recommend you start one.

A  fixed surveillance or stakeout is common practice for a private investigator to collect vital information on a assigned subject.  A stakeout is usually conducted from a building or a vehicle.  Using a vehicle for visual surveillance of a particular subject, vehicle, or place can be a problem if a homeowner calls the police.

Most surveillance is covert.  It would  be very difficult to “blend in” in order to avoid letting the subject know he or she is being observed if two black and whites pull up behind me.  Visits like these can be minimized applying some basic courtesy.  In some states it is mandatory that a PI check with local law enforcement authorities prior to beginning a surveillance.  An advance notice is usually in writing providing:  my name, address, license number, vehicle description and the general area in which I will be conducting  a surveillance.  Upon arriving in an out of town location, I will drop off this information to the local authorities.  Some jurisdictions prefer that I simply call them, while others prefer that I fax them.  They greatly appreciate being kept ahead of the game.  So far no one has come by to check me out.