Cobb County Police Department

PRECINCT THREE PENS BULLETIN

HOLIDAY EDITION 2011

The MOST important thing YOU can do is CALL THE POLICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of anonymous eyes!

Entering Auto

We continue to see thefts from vehicles in Zone 3. Citizens have reported change, credit cards, wallets, CD players, GPS, speakers and tools, among other items, stolen from their vehicles. Culprits are looking for anything they can sell or pawn.
Criminals begin by checking door handles in search of unlocked vehicles. The next step is to break windows or punch locks. Most of the crimes are opportunity crimes where valuables are left in the vehicles and doors are not locked. Forced entry will usually be made when victims leave valuables in plain view and lock their doors. The valuables that are visible serve as an open invitation to break a window or pull a lock.

BURGLARY BASICS

· Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.

· Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.

· Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.

· Keep your garage door closed and locked.

· Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.

· Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.

· Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.

· Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.

· Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.

· Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternative

Fried Turkey Safety;

It’s turkey time again and everyone is looking forward to the good food and family fun. Every year you hear one story of fire caused from someone cooking a turkey in a deep fryer. First of all, do not use your turkey fryer on a wooden deck, in your garage, near a wooden structure, under the eaves of any building. Second, never leave your turkey fryer unattended. This really is a two person job. You need a good volunteer to do the running while you watch the turkey fryer. Take the extra minute to be safe and enjoy your Thanksgiving.

I would also like to remind everyone who has not already done so to sign up for Nixle Alerts from Cobb County Government at www.Nixle.com. Cobb County is committed to using this system judiciously so that residents pay attention when they receive an alert.