Illegal Drug House Activity

FROM:          Chief of Police Matthew Eiskant
SUBJ:             Illegal Drug House Activity

Dear Belleville Citizen,
The Belleville Police Department, St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, and other State or Federal Law Enforcement Agencies have identified and arrested subject(s) involved in Illegal Drug Sales/Activity within our city. The Belleville Police Department is doing everything it legally can do to abate this potentially violent nuisance.  I am requesting your support in helping the Police Department achieve that goal.  I have enclosed observable signs of possible illegal drug sales and/or other activities closely associated with illegal drug activity.

If you observe, or become aware of any of the following signs or activities, please contact the Belleville Police Department at 618-234-1212, x1686.  You may leave this information anonymously.

How to recognize sales and manufacturing of illegal drugs?

Some of the activities listed below, especially happening alone, may have a reasonable explanation. For example, frequent visits to a house might simply mean that a large and sociable family lives there. However, in combination, the activities below could mean that you are seeing illegal drug activity. Sometimes sales and manufacturing happen in the same location and sometimes not.

Am I seeing drug sales?

Drug sales may happen at a home or in a public place, such as a street or a park.

Possible signs of drug sales:

• Numerous short visits to the location by people in vehicles, on bicycles, and/or on foot
• Money or small packages being exchanged
• Cars frequently drive by slowly at the location
• Visitors often bring personal property and leave without it
• People who appear to be acting as lookouts
• Activity at the location happens at odd hours such as in the middle of the night or early in the morning
• Occupants seem paranoid, unfriendly, or secretive
• Shades or blinds constantly being drawn, even though the house is occupied
• Unusually extensive security measures around the house
• Drug paraphernalia at or near the location, such as:  very small zip-lock plastic baggies; small bundled or twisted pieces of cellophane; small pieces of balloon; hypodermic needles and needle caps; broken automobile antennae; small glass vials or pipes; or small pieces of brillo
• Elevated levels of theft in the surrounding area

Illegal Drug Sales/Activity is a plague on our communities exposing law abiding citizens to potential violence, and other property crimes associated with this crime.  It is my hope to solicit your help by acting as our eyes and ears to reduce or eliminate this menace.  The Belleville Police Department strongly discourages any actions that expose you or your family to potential harm.  The Belleville Police Department encourages and needs any information you become aware of to help us put these criminals out of business.

My sincere thanks for any assistance you are able to provide.

Sincerely,
Col. Matthew Eiskant
Chief of Police