Cobb County Police Department

Welcome to the Precinct 1 PENS Web site. Here you will be able to keep up with current crime trends in your neighborhoods, current issues affecting your area, and significant arrests made at Precinct I. You may also contact us via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it We will add your email address to our listof personal contacts. We encourage Home owner's association presidents, vice
presidents, secretaries or other board members to contact us. Provide us with your subdivision, condominium or business complex name and location. We will add you to our personal contact list.

JANUARY

PUBLIC SAFETY TOPIC OF THE MONTH

We are already half way through January and although we have been fortunate to avoid severe weather thus far, most of winter is still ahead of us. I’m sure no one has forgotten that barely a year ago most of metro Atlanta, including Cobb, was brought to a weeklong standstill after snow and ice built up on roadways. Schools, government offices, and many private businesses were closed and grocery stores ran low on many basic items as roads and highways remained impassible for days.

Now is a good time to take inventory of emergency supplies to make sure you and your family have what they need in the event of a similar storm. Although interrupted utilities are usually restored rather quickly in this area, depending on the severity of the storm, you may go several days without electricity, water, or natural gas. Grocery stores and pharmacies may be forced to close or have interrupted supply chains, resulting in a shortage of basic necessities and prescription medications.

It is also important to remember that during a winter storm, emergency workers will be overwhelmed and response times will be severely delayed. By making a few preparations now and having an emergency kit on hand, you can help to ensure your family’s safety. The following items are of particular importance and can be stored in a couple of large plastic bins in the garage.

• Water, a gallon per person/per day, at least a 3 day supply
• Food, at least a 3 day supply of non perishable items and a can opener
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Moist towelettes and gargage bags for personal sanitation
Infant formula and diapers if applicable

For a more comprehensive list of recommended supplies to keep on hand in the event of an emergency, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website at: http://www.ready.gov/document/family-supply-list This supply list can be tailored to fit your family’s unique needs.

If you have a fireplace, keep plenty of firewood on hand as supplies will deplete rapidly at home improvement and grocery stores in anticipation of a storm. Remember to keep at least a week’s supply of prescription medications on hand as well.

If you use alternative means of cooking during a power outage it is imperative to remember that you should never use a generator, grill, camp stove, or other gasoline, propane, or charcoal-burning device inside of your home, garage, basement, crawlspace, or any partially enclosed area. If you use one of these items place it outside and away from doors, windows, and vents to avoid carbon monoxide build up inside your home.

Make sure that carbon monoxide alarms are installed in central locations on every level of your home and near sleeping areas so that you will have advance notice if carbon monoxide build-up occurs. Check batteries on your smoke alarms and inspect fire extinguishers to make sure they are fully charged and easily accessible.


CRIME TRENDS

We continue to have Entering Autos at several business on and around Barrett Pkwy as well as several fitness centers. The common thread in most of these is that itmes of value are left in plain site. People continue to leave laptops and purses on the seat or floorboard where anyone looking in the window can see them. Sometimes they are "covered up" but this does not fool the theives. If you must carry these items in your vehicle, place them in the trunk before leaving home or work so that the theives do not see you covering them up, or placing them on the floorboard. If you are entering a restaraunt and the item was not already in the trunk, you are better off taking the item in with you than hoping it is safe in your vehicle.

We continue to have thefts of air conditioning units and copper tubing from vacant homes. The suspects are driving all types of vehicles. Remember it is better to call 911 and let the police check out a person even if they are not a criminal, than it is to let the crime occure without notifying the police.

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.

Be sure to 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 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.

Remove purses, briefcases, book bags, and anything that appears to contain valuables from your car at night and lock your doors. If you have a garage, park the car in the garage at night and close and lock the garage doors.

When at a fitness center, lock wallets and purses in the trunk of your car before you arrive at your destination (in case the thief is watching) and keep your car keys with you at all times.


This concludes the January PENS Bulletin. Please continue to stay involved, stay vigilant, and help keep your neighborhood safe!


       
DECEMBER

During this festive season of the year our thoughts turn to giving and receiving gifts, visiting friends, relatives, and delightful culinary experiences. However, there are others who think about unoccupied, appliance filled houses, distracted shoppers with extra cash in a purse or wallet, or they're planning their next "charity scam." Don't give a thief a chance this year.  Trust your instincts; if something does not look or feel right, it probably isn't. Remember, being safe doesn't take a holiday.

WHILE SHOPPING:

* Park in a highly visible well-lighted space.
* Lock your vehicle both when driving and parked.
* Have your car keys in your hand and be ready to open the car door immediately.
* Place all shopping bags, packages and gifts out of sight.
* Always know where you are parked, so you don't spend unnecessary time
walking around the parking lot.
* Look inside and under your car before entering.
* Avoid carrying large amounts of cash - use a check or credit card.
* Don't overburden yourself with packages. This will help deter pickpockets or purse snatchers.
* Don't park next to a van or truck where people can hide.

OUT FOR THE EVENING:

* Turn on lights, a television or radio so that it appears that someone is home.
* Secure all doors and windows, even if you're only gone for a few minutes.
* Holiday gifts should not be displayed where they can be seen from the outside.

HOLIDAY TRAVELING:

* Ask a neighbor to watch your house.
* Use automatic timers for your lights.
* Stop your mail and newspaper deliveries.
* Arrange to have snow shoveled (if necessary) while you're away.
* Notify your local police department and leave a number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

WHILE DRIVING:

Watch out at intersections and stop lights. They're favorite spots for troublemakers.
Keep car in gear; if you're threatened, blow the horn, then drive away.
Leave enough space between you and the car in front of you to pull around if necessary.
* Keep windows rolled up.
* Keep doors locked at all times.
* Keep valuables out of sight.
* If followed - don't drive home. Go to a police station, fire house, gas station or public place.
* If your car breaks down, stay with the car and accept NO rides. If someone stops to help, ask them to call the police. Use a cell phone if available.
Keep vehicle well maintained and gassed up.
* And remember -- gasoline and alcohol don't mix.

ATMs and ATM CARDS:

* Stay alert.
* Be aware of your surroundings when you use an ATM, especially at night.
It's best to park in a well-lighted area and have someone accompany you.
* Report suspicious people. If you notice anything unusual, cancel your transaction, pocket your card and leave immediately. Go to a safe place and call the police if you suspect dangerous or illegal activity.
* Be prepared. To complete your transaction safely, fill out deposit forms and have your card ready before arriving at the ATM. When you've completed your transaction, pocket your card and cash immediately. Count the cash later.
* When using a drive-up ATM, remember to always keep your doors locked, all other windows up and the car running.
* Guard your ATM card as carefully as you do cash, checks and credit cards.
Never give account numbers or card information over the phone.
* Keep Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) secret. Don't write your PIN on your card or keep the number in your wallet. Memorize your number and do not tell anyone what it is - even family members or bank employees.

ACCIDENTAL POISONING:

Accidental poisoning often occurs when daily household routines become disrupted, as it usually is during the holidays. Take a few minutes to poison-proof your home for little visitors.
If a poisoning does occur, immediately call your local Poison Control Center at 1800-222-1222 or 404-616-9000 24 hours.
AT HOME:
* Keep all doors and windows locked, even if your step out for a moment.
* Mark all property with your driver's license number.
* Videotape valuables as a record of ownership.
* Inspect all holiday lights for frayed wiring before your hang them.
* If you are using a ladder to hang holiday decorations, make sure it is properly secured.
* Keep holiday decorations and plants away from young children and pets.
Some are poisonous.
* Place your holiday tree or wreath away from heating vents or fireplaces to reduce risk of fire.
* Keep fresh cut holiday trees watered.
* Use extreme caution when using lighted candles as part of your holiday decorations.
* When partaking of holiday cheer, good judgment should always be exercised.
* Beware of strangers coming to the door asking for charitable donations.
Ask for identification, if donations are tax deductible, how will the funds be used. If you are not satisfied, don't give. Help a charitable