How can I report a crime?
To report a crime in progress or an emergency, dial 911.
Although all of us hope we never need the police, we should know how to reach them. The Thornton Police Department is located at 9551 Civic Center Drive, and is open 24 hours a day. The time to contact the police is as soon as you discover a crime has been committed, or when you suspect a crime has been committed, or when a crime is in the process of being committed. Whenever you observe suspicious events, even though you may not be the only person observing them, report the incidents to the Thornton Police Department. The number to call is 911. Never think that the next person will make the call. Don't wait to talk it over with friends or neighbors. Valuable police response time is lost. If you are in doubt, call the police. Do you have doubts about what is suspicious? It could be a stranger who enters your neighbor's home while your neighbor is away with no apparent lawful purpose. It could be someone carrying property such as TVs, radios, or stereos at an unusually late hour or in an unusual place. Other suspicious activity is the sound of shattering glass, which could be the sign of a burglary or vandalism in progress. Anyone being forced into a vehicle could be the victim of a possible abduction. Be alert and observant! Features and physical descriptions you can remember can greatly assist police in the apprehension of criminals. A free brochure on suspicious activity is available in the police department, at 9551 Civic Center Drive.
When you contact the police department they will ask you for your name, address and phone number. This information is requested in case additional information is needed from you. An officer will take the necessary information from you and proceed with an investigation. Information that is needed by the police is what happened, where and when, and was anyone injured. Also helpful are names or physical descriptions of any people involved, including facial features, kind of clothes and an age estimate. A description is needed of any vehicle involved, including color, model year and most important, license plate number. If you are reporting a crime such as a burglary, or theft, the police need as much information as possible about the property taken. This includes a list of the property, value, and serial numbers. The police advise all residents and businesses to maintain an up to-date record of the serial numbers of all appliances, tools, radio and TV sets, firearms, and all other valuables. Keep a detailed and accurate description of all valuables including serial numbers. Whenever possible, inscribe or label your valuables with your social security number. Electric engravers are most appropriate to mark your valuables.