Potential Indicators of Terrorist Activities Related to Storage Facilities
What Should I Consider Suspicious?
- Failing to provide complete personal information when completing rental paperwork.
- Using cash to pay rental fees in advance.
- Failing to pay rent for a storage unit in a timely manner.
- Using a credit card in someone else’s name.
- Inquiring about security and surveillance equipment utilized at the storage facility.
- Placing unusual items in storage units or facility dumpsters:
- Fertilizer or agricultural products.
- Chemicals or chemical containers.
- Fuel or fuel containers.
- Weapons and ammunition.
- Explosives.
- Disposing of tools or protective gloves, masks, or clothing.
- Discarding clothing or shoes in new condition.
- Entering and leaving storage facility at unusual times.
- Avoiding contact with rental facility personnel.
- Accessing the facility an unusual number of times.
- Requesting deliveries of chemicals and other items made directly to a storage unit.
- Leaving burn marks or discoloration on the walls or door of a storage unit.
- Storing items that emit unusual odors or leak liquids.
Note: It is important to remember that just because someone's speech, actions, beliefs, appearance, or way of life is different, it does not mean that he or she is suspicious.
What Should I Do?
Be Part of the Solution
- Require valid ID from all new customers.
- Watch for people and actions that are out of place.
- Make note of suspicious statements, people, and/or vehicles.
- If something seems wrong, notify law enforcement authorities.
Do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of others.
Preventing terrorism is a community effort. By learning what to look for, you can make a positive contribution in the fight against terrorism. The partnership between the community and law enforcement is essential to the success of anti-terrorism efforts.
Some of the activities, taken individually, could be innocent and must be examined by law enforcement professionals in a larger context to determine whether there is a basis to investigate. The activities outlined on this handout are by no means all-inclusive but have been compiled from a review of terrorist events over several years.
Osceola County Sheriff's Office
407-348-2222
