DECATUR - Police Chief Mark Barthelemy is asking for the public's help in spotting any suspicious activities.

The concern of another al-Qaida terrorist attack, specifically in the Midwest, has the chief wanting people to be on alert. Enough so that Barthelemy thought it was necessary to hold a news conference Friday based on intelligence information that he has received from state and federal officials.

While Decatur may not be an area for an actual attack, Barthelemy said terrorists could possibly be in the area purchasing equipment and planning an attack for somewhere else.

"I don't want to frighten this community but I am soliciting everyone to be vigilant," he said. "Because of what happened in New York, people became more aware of who is living next door or in their apartment buildings. We have become too complacent just because we live in the midwest."

Mike Chamness, chairman of the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, agrees with Barthelemy that people need to be more alert and suspicious.

"People shouldn't panic," he said from his office in Springfield. "But there is no specific credible threat to the state of Illinois."

The statewide intelligence center based in Springfield operates 24 hours and was opened in May 2003. It has a direct link to the national Homeland Security office, CIA and FBI.

Chamness, however, did say Illinois is an important state in this country and "rich in critical infrastructure."

Phil Anello, director of the Macon County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, said, "I do echo the chief's thoughts - if something doesn't look right, it doesn't hurt to pick up the phone and report it."

Barthelemy said people should remember the railroad explosion in Madrid, Spain, where 200 people were killed and more than 1,300 people injured from an explosion set off by terrorists. He said one citizen saw something and could have prevented the catastrophe if it had been reported.

He said because of heightened security at airlines that terrorists may try to use vehicle explosive devices - trucks, semi-tractors, tankers, cars and smaller cargo vans. A lot of these vehicles travel through Decatur on various roadways.

Barthelemy said people should be especially conscious of individuals purchasing large vehicles, any thefts of hazardous materials, and anyone watching or filming certain locations.

"Al-Qaida has recruited people from other countries. These terrorists look like your neighbors," Barthelemy said. "Citizens now have the opportunity to slow down or prevent a terrorist attack. It's not just reporting something suspicious, but it's your patriotic duty."

Things to be Watchful of:

- Physical surveillance, including any videotaping or attempts to photograph potential targets.

- Reports of persons approaching security checkpoints with unusual requests, asking for obscure directions, or distracting security personnel.

- "Dry runs" of routes to identify speed traps, road hazards, bridges and overpasses with clearance levels too low to accommodate large vehicles.

- Reports of individuals attempting to make unscheduled deliveries.

- Incidents involving ramming or bumping of physical barriers or unauthorized parking of vehicles near a facility

- Loitering near restricted areas.

- Drivers who operate vehicles in an overly cautious manner and are cautious about accessing a cargo area.

- Delivery drivers who seem nervous or display noncompliant behavior such as insisting on parking close to a building or restricted area.

- Drivers who abandon vehicles by getting out, walking or running away.

- Delivery vehicles that lack sufficient number of people to conduct the purpose of the visit.

- Excessive vehicle weight or uneven weight distribution.

Source: Decatur Police Department

Sheila Smith can be reached at sheilas@;herald-review.com or 421-7963.