Cobb County Police Department

December, 2011

December, PENS NEWS:

Now that we are in the height of the holiday season and Christmas is only a few days away, I ask everyone to increase their awareness to their surroundings. The increase in gift buying coupled with the increase in holiday travel can add to the reasons to maintain a heightened awareness during the holiday season. Although our campaign to raise awareness and community involvement in reporting crime is seeing success with an overall reduction from crime statistics as of November and December a year ago, we must continue to be vigilant throughout the remainder of the holiday season and as we head into 2012.

The holiday season also marks increased travel for many. Consequently, please remember to drive at a safe speed while traveling and make sure to complete vehicle safety checks prior to travel. Furthermore, remember to be safety conscious while utilizing other forms of travel such as air, rail, or bus. Always report suspicious activity to the proper authorities (*remember reported suspicious activity leads to prevented criminal activities).


Below is a list of crime trends within the Precinct Two area and a few crime tips to help prevent crime in our community. As you read through the crime trends and tips be mindful of how you can play a vital role in reducing the criminals’ opportunities. Furthermore, maintaining a heightened awareness during this busy time of the year will assist in keeping everyone safer in all of our holiday activities.

The men and women of Precinct Two and the entire Cobb County Police Department wish everyone a safe a happy holiday season.

Current Crime Trends
As burglary remains the highest reported crime for Precinct 2, always be aware of your surroundings. No one knows your neighborhood better than you and your neighbors. Call 911 immediately if you witness any suspicious activity. Provide a detailed description of the individuals and vehicles to make it easier for police to locate the suspects.

Home Security Tips:
- Always keep you doors locked even when home.
- Let trusted neighbors know when you will be out of town and have them periodically check your home.
- Leave lights on inside or have timers set for lights within or outside the home.
- Have your mail picked up by a neighbor or if you are going to be away for an extended period of time, have it held by the Post Office.
- Leave contact information with neighbors for first responders incase of an emergency.
- Don’t leave gifts in a visible location.
- Record serial numbers or other distinctive numbers or markings on valuable electronics, weapons, and jewelry.


However, as stated earlier, burglary is not the only crime that traditionally increases during the holiday season.

Remember to maintain control of any personal belongings. Do not leave a bag or purse in a shopping cart while you turn your back to remove an item from the shelf. Do not leave your bag or purse at any places of business or parks unsupervised. Remember, most crimes related to purse theft and vehicle break-ins result in financial or identity fraud/theft. Although this is an ongoing trend that is sometimes unpredictable in occurrences, it will always increase during the holiday season. So keep those purses and wallets close.

Precinct 2 is beginning to see an increase in Entering Autos. Vehicles are being broken into specifically at parking lots for the Silver Comet Trail as well as apartment complexes and neighborhoods.

Remember there are preventive measures that can be taken for this type of crime. Do not leave anything of value inside your vehicle. Whether in plain view or where you may think it is hidden, the thief is watching you and will not only cause you to replace stolen property but also to replace your vehicle's window. However, the number one rule for helping to prevent thefts from vehicles is to LOCK THE VEHICLE. More than half of all reported thefts from vehicles are from unlocked vehicles.

Thieves are also watching you when you park your vehicle. Do not park you car then place your purse or laptop in the trunk. You are being watched. Also, be aware when buying electronics. Thieves will watch you! Do not buy a laptop at an electronics store then leave it in your car while you eat supper.