Christmas Holiday tips from Cobb County Police Department - PENS Bulletin

CRIME TRENDS

With the continued rise in price for recyclable metals, we have seen a recent spike in the theft of commercial air conditioning units. Both residential and commercial properties have the potential to fall prey to this type of criminal due to the difficulty in positively identifying the stolen items. As police departments in the metro Atlanta area continue to network with area recyclers in an attempt to combat thefts of recyclable metals, we have developed the ability to send out alerts to area recyclers when identifiable metals are stolen. To aid with the identification of metals such as the coils within an AC unit, it has been recommended to paint the coil a bright fluorescent color to help distinguish it from other units.

Although vandalism of Christmas decorations often goes unreported to the police, I have received informal information that there has been an increase in this type of activity within certain neighborhoods in East Cobb. It is important that you remind your teens that damaging someone’s property is more than a prank, it is a crime and it comes with serious consequences. A teenager who has just turned 17 and who goes into someone’s yard and damages their decorations can be charged with a crime and be taken to jail. If the damage exceeds $500, which is not hard to do these days, the crime becomes a felony. Having a criminal record can make someone ineligible for scholarships and other types of financial aid and close the door to many potential jobs.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR NEIGHBORS CAN DO

We have had significant success with apprehending criminals because you called 911 to report suspicious behavior. You are the eyes and ears in your neighborhoods and you, more than anyone else, know who doesn’t belong. Call 911 anytime you see individuals on foot in your neighborhood that you don’t recognize or vehicles that drive slowly up and down the street or that are stopped with someone just sitting in the vehicle. Even if everything checks out at the time, we still have their information on record.

Don’t forget the basics of crime prevention when it comes to keeping your home secure. A security system with an audible alarm is a great deterrent to have. Be sure to set your alarm every time you leave the house. Make sure that your alarm service yard signs and window decals are visible from the street and replace them when they start to show age.--- Note:  All alarm systems need to be registered with the Cobb County Police Dept. See details on registration process here - http://police.cobbcountyga.gov/alarms.htm

Keep windows, doors, and garage doors closed and locked when you are away. Purchase a timer for your exterior lighting or turn it on before you leave if you don’t plan to get back home until after dark.

Do not store large quantities of cash or jewelry (or gold/silver) in your home but instead use a safety deposit box at your bank. You may not avoid becoming a victim of a burglary but you can certainly minimize your loss.

Each post is intended to be information about or for the benefit of Village North Subdivision including events, garage sales, or affecting us in some way. I welcome any news or information about the neighborhood and will share what I think might be of some use, benefit, or just to let you know what is going on.