Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer issued a public letter Monday warning residents of a “dangerous trend in public activity,” a phrase he declined to elaborate on despite seventeen follow-up questions.

“I want the community to be aware,” Springer said at a press conference. “There are things happening. Activities. In public. And some of them are trending in a direction I would characterize as dangerous.”

When asked for specifics, the Sheriff gestured broadly and said, “You know. Out there.”

The letter, posted to the department’s Facebook page, urged residents to “remain vigilant,” “stay aware of their surroundings,” and “report anything that seems like it could be part of the trend, if they figure out what it is.”

Local resident Marcus Webb said he appreciated the warning. “I don’t know what I’m looking for exactly, but I’m definitely looking for it now. Constantly. It’s affecting my sleep.”

The Sheriff’s office has received 340 calls since the letter was published, reporting suspicious activities including “a man walking slowly,” “a car parked legally but for too long,” and “a squirrel that seemed organized.”

Springer concluded the press conference by reminding residents that “if you see something, say something,” adding, “and if you don’t see something, maybe also say something, just in case.”