Peabody Police Remind Public Terrorists, Tragedy Can Strike Anywhere

Peabody police are cautioning residents to remain vigilant about reporting suspicious activity -- terrorists and tragedy can strike anywhere, and your instincts are often right.

"The Peabody Police Department wants to remind its citizens...that the senseless and tragic events of [Monday] are an ever present danger and possibility in the times that we live in," says a message posted to the department's Facebook page. "It is not something that is a threat only to the inner cities. It can happen at any time and any place in this country."

"The lesson learned is that we must remain ever vigilant and keep our eyes and ears open to suspicious activity," the message continues, noting the city has a large shopping mall, industrial parks and numerous watersheds. Police say sharp eyes are needed there as much as at schools and businesses.

Police say local authorities should be notified of anything remotely suspicious or out of the ordinary -- they promise you won't be questioned or chided for making the call. They say it's indifference and lack of attention to detail that hamper timely intervention.

Suspicious activity of this sort can be directly reported to Officer Joseph Coup at 978-538-6300 or email him at jcoup@peabodypolice.org.

Coup works in the special operations division on traffic and also serves as the department's anti-terrorist intelligence officer.