POLICE SHARE ADVICE FOR SPOTTING DRUG DEALS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

What should you watch for if you think there's a drug deal going on?

Area police said homeowners should pay less attention to the quality of a
house or neighborhood than the activity going on around it.

If people notice visitors coming and going at all hours -- and staying for
only short durations -- it could be a sign there is a drug den inside.

La Salle police chief Rob Uranich said drug transactions are typically
conducted out of sight, with buyers often parking a short distance away to
be surreptitious about their presence.

"Typically, people will park down the street or around the corner from the
house," Uranich said. "Why would they do that unless they weren't up to any
good?"

Frequent visitors aren't the only sign of trouble. If a homeowner or tenant
often runs quick errands but returns without carrying a grocery sack or
gallon of milk, it could mean they were making an illicit delivery.

Spring Valley police chief Doug Bernabei strongly encouraged residents to
telephone police with any such suspicions. While sometimes there is a
perfectly innocent explanation, often there is not.

"If someone thinks it's suspicious, they're usually right," Bernabei said.

Along with simply relaying suspicions to police, Bernabei said people
should be on the lookout for license plate numbers of the cars that make
quick stops at the house and, if possible, make note of when these visits
occur.

While this in itself would not provide sufficient probable cause for a
search warrant, he said, it is a first step in the long process of building
a case.

Uranich said increased patrols resulting from a tip might also cause the
dealers to move their operation elsewhere.

Drug dens can be found anywhere, irrespective of whether the home is owned
or rented. Nevertheless, neighbors should be suspicious of neglect. If the
lawn hasn't been mowed in many weeks or the shutters are about to fall off,
the owner/renter may be too busy getting high to tend to home maintenance.

Two specific home maintenance issues could be indicators of trouble.
Furniture being moved out could mean the junkie inside is selling items to
raise money for drugs.

Neighbors should also keep an eye on burn pits, which are often used to
dispose of incriminating evidence that crystal methamphetamine is being
produced on the premises, such as boxes of cold medication and canisters of
starter fluid and ether.

Police said deals are more likely to be conducted behind closed doors than
in broad daylight.

"I'm not aware of anyone standing on the corner selling. It's more taking
place in the car or at people's houses," Uranich said.

Nevertheless, Oglesby police chief Tom Martin said it pays to be wary of
large groups gathered in public and who appear to be waiting for someone.
Users sometimes congregate in a park or near a convenience store waiting
for a drop -- a transaction that can occur quickly.

"I think that if you have a situation where someone goes up to a car and,
15-20 seconds later, they're gone and the car disappears, that's a red
flag," Martin said.

Police also said people should listen for transactions conducted by
cellular telephone. Users and dealers with cellular telephones often use a
rudimentary code to avoid telling the world that they are discussing drugs.

Reference to fruits and vegetables -- particularly "onions" or "tomatoes"
- -- are often buzzwords for drugs. Automotive parts are also used to denote
drugs.

Special precautions must be taken to ensure safety if you suspect a crystal
methamphetamine lab.

Bernabei said that while discarded mobile meth labs and ingredients are not
yet as big of a problem in the Illinois Valley as they are in the southern
portion of the state, few people know what to look out for. That can be
dangerous.

The giveaway is the distinct and pungent smell of anhydrous ammonia -- a
key ingredient in meth production -- but people should also watch for
coolers or propane tanks. If a cooler or tank is turning blue, chances are
good there's dangerous anhydrous ammonia inside.

If you can smell anhydrous ammonia, you're too close. Move away from the
vicinity until you can no longer smell the toxic compounds and be sure to
tell the police dispatcher you suspect a meth lab. Without advance warning,
the responding officer's life may be at risk.

According to police, tips from members of the community have an important
role in battling the drug problem in the Illinois Valley, especially with
the proliferation of dealers the area has experienced.

Peru police chief Glenn Fredrickson said there used to just be a handful of
larger dealers in the area. Times have changed.

"Now you've got a couple hundred (dealers), and that's probably a modest
estimate," Fredrickson said. "It seems anyone with wheels can become a dealer."

Bernabei agreed, saying the police simply don't have the manpower to be
everywhere and watch everyone.

"The neighbors are there all the time," Bernabei said. "The drug task force
can only be there some of the time."

Anyone with information about suspected drug activity can also call
Illinois Valley Crime Stoppers on the toll-free hotline at (800) 340-4045.
All calls are confidential and could result in cash rewards of up to $1,000.

"As a prosecutor, it is my goal to prosecute offenders and protect the
public from these highly dangerous situations and offenders," said Brian
Towne, president of Crime Stoppers. "But also, I'm aware that many people
have knowledge that they are hesitant to share because they don't want to
get formally involved.

"So I simply ask that if anyone has any information about these very
volatile situations, that they please contact 1-800-340-4045, where will
accept their information yet never know their identity."