Cobb County Police Department

Pens Bulletin
May, 2012

Now that warmer weather is here, outdoor projects and dreaded home maintenance to-do lists are looming large. Also looming large are the scam- artists looking to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners who in a moment of weakness agree to take them up on an offer that sounds too good to be true.

Gutter cleaning and repairs, tree removal, roof and driveway repairs, house painting…these are just a few of the services offered by travelling criminal groups often referred to by law enforcement as Travelers. Travelers are often of Scottish or Irish descent and generally target the elderly. They generally use fictitious names and have fraudulent identification. They are highly trained and organized criminals who make their living out of doing nothing more than scamming people out of their hard earned money.

These groups defy the images normally conjured up when we think of criminals. They are often extremely polite, well dressed, and are masters at persuasion. They consider their criminal enterprise a true profession, are amazingly manipulative, and actually practice at their sales pitch. They can also improvise their approach to fit any situation. Because these individuals are so good at what they do, your best defense is to firmly refuse any services offered and tell them to leave your property immediately.

Door to door sales as a legitimate way of promoting a business is quickly becoming a thing of the past as more companies embrace internet and social media sites as a way to market goods and services. If you should find yourself in need of a particular service, your safest bet is to seek out a referral from 2 or 3 trusted family members or neighbors.

It works to your advantage to be the one to initiate the conversation with a potential service provider. Ask to see a business license and proof that the company is bonded and insured. Compare rates with competitors and check to see if there is a local business address or satellite office. Check on line to see if there have been complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. Lastly, get a written estimate and never pay with cash.

And don’t forget, in unincorporated Cobb County, door- to- door solicitors are required to have a solicitor permit issued by the Cobb County Business License Division which is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance. This permit may be displayed on either shoulder of the solicitor’s clothing and must be visible to the customer. Each solicitor is required to have one, so don’t accept the excuse that the boss back at the office has it. If someone shows up at your door without this permit displayed, call 911 and let an officer check it out.


CRIME TRENDS

We haven’t seen any substantive crime trends over the last month but are still experiencing the occasional Entering Auto in some residential neighborhoods.

To limit your chance of becoming a victim, always lock purses, briefcases, or anything that could appear to a criminal to contain valuables, in the trunk of your vehicle before your arrive at a destination. Do not attempt to conceal purses or other items in the floorboard of your vehicle or under the seat.

WHAT YOU AND YOUR NEIGHBORS CAN DO

Summer vacation is approaching and school will be out very shortly. Now is a good time to remind teenagers of the criminal nature of many common “pranks”. It is also a good time to remind teens that once they turn 17 they will be charged as an adult and will be booked into jail with other adults, many of whom have extensive criminal histories.

Just this week, we experienced our first rash of mailbox bashing. Remind your teens that intentionally causing damage to someone else’s property is a crime. When the dollar amount of that damage exceeds $500.00, the crime becomes a felony.

Talk to your teens, even the ones you think would never do such a thing. Encourage them to stop and think about the potential ramifications of engaging in such activities as mail box bashing, egging and toilet papering someone’s home or car, or breaking windows on abandoned homes or businesses. Not everyone shares the same sense of humor and if the victim desires prosecution, the teen will be charged. A few minutes of fun is not worth a criminal record that can carry a lifetime of consequences.

This concludes the May PENS Bulletin. Please continue to stay involved, stay vigilant, and help look out for your neighbors

Stay Safe!

Pens Bulletin
April 2012

Identity theft is a major problem that affects many people each year and often increases during tax season. With the April 17th deadline rapidly approaching, it is important to remain vigilant for attempts by criminals to obtain your personal information. A criminal who is able to obtain a person’s name, social security number, and other identifying information can file a fraudulent tax return in the victim’s name and collect the associated refund. Often the unsuspecting victim won’t find out until their own legitimate tax return is flagged for denial.

It is important that taxpayers protect their personal information. Anyone who believes his or her personal information has been stolen and used for fraudulent tax purposes should immediately contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
There are a couple of ways that criminals use to trick victims into revealing their personal or financial information online. The first one is Phishing and occurs when thieves use phony email or websites to contact potential victims often posing as the IRS. The email address used may only differ slightly from the legitimate sight and can easily be mistaken. A suspicious e-mail or an “IRS” Web address that does not begin with http://www.irs.gov should be forwarded to the IRS at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Spyware is another tool that identity thieves use to steal personal information. Spyware consists of computer software that gathers and reports information about a computer user without the user's knowledge or consent. It gets downloaded onto the taxpayer’s computer once he or she opens an email attachment or clicks a link sent by the thief. The best advice is to never open an attachment or click on a link that is sent by someone you do not know. Legitimate financial institutions generally will not contact you by email to confirm your personal information, username, or pass code. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of an email sent from your financial institution or the IRS, call them by the publicly listed phone number and not the one contained in the email to verify authenticity.
Whenever possible, use IRS direct deposit to avoid the chance that your tax refund check may get stolen from your mailbox.

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.

Thanks and Stay Safe!

Sgt. Craig Dong
Cobb County Police Department / Pct. 5
Criminal Investigations Unit
770-499-3971

Pens Bulletin
March 2012

Precinct Five wishes Captain Steve Goodyear the very best as he retires from the Cobb County Police Department after 29 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Cobb County.

We would like to welcome Captain C T Cox, as he takes over command of Precinct Five. Captain Cox has served with the Cobb County Police Department for over 27 years and has commanded Precinct Four, in East Cobb, for the past three years.

Captain Cox has served at all five precincts. He has over twelve years experience within the Cobb County Police Department’s Special Operations Unit. He has been assigned to the DIU Task Force, Hit & Run Unit and S.T.E.P. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) Unit which investigates all serious and fatality accidents. Captain Cox has also served as the Adjutant to the Chief’s Office in an administrative position at Cobb County Police Headquarters.

Captain Cox brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him as he enters his new assignment here in West Cobb and we wish him the best in his new command.


CIU 5

As a result of the current economic climate, the high market price of gold and the increased number of “We Buy Gold” establishments, we are seeing more thefts of jewelry and valuable coins during residential burglaries. Often times, thieves are overlooking other items of value, such as TV’s, laptops or electronic devices previously considered prime for the taking. Thieves have, in many cases, taken their time and become selective in what they choose to steal from their victim’s home. Criminals afoot will often only take items they can conceal on their person, while walking down the street, as to avoid the unwanted attention.

Homes that appear empty and complacent owners are a burglar’s best friend and make an easy target for a theft. Most residential burglaries occur during the day and with the warmer months quickly approaching many folks will be out and about, even the burglars. Remember this and take steps to deter these criminals, especially when you are away from home, either at work or on vacation.

Consider the following to avoid being a target:

- Avoid the appearance of an empty house by utilizing timers, an up kept yard, and no mail or paper accumulation.
- Do not hide spare keys outside or publicize your absence (e.g. answering machine, social media outlets).
- Utilize motion sensors on exterior lighting.
- Audible alarm systems that are monitored.

Additionally, jewelry should not be kept in an obvious place, such as the jewelry box on the bedroom dresser. The best place for your valuables is either in a home safe (preferably bolted to the floor in an inconspicuous location). Jewelry that is seldom worn or worn only on special occasions should be kept in a bank safety deposit box. Take photographs of your valuables so that tracking by investigators is possible.

Please remember to keep your vehicles locked and remove all valuables. Precinct 5 officers continue to combat the entering autos in all beats particularly in the larger neighborhoods.

Keep an eye out for your neighbors and report any suspicious activity to the police utilizing 911.


Thanks and Stay safe!

Sgt. Craig Dong
Cobb County Police / Pct 5
Criminal Investigations Unit
770-499-3971
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

PENS Bulletin

JANUARY 2012


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 Prevention

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.n