View from the cop: Crime & punishment
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AJC.com > Metro > View from the cop > Archives > 2007 > March
March 2007
Protecting seniors targeted by thieves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seniors seem to be getting picked on again. Thefts from purses and in parking lots have increased a bit.
The easiest victims to pick on are the residents of senior communities and senior-assisted communities that utilize buses to make the weekly trip to the grocery store. Shopping day puts two or three of these communities in the store at once and it seems to attract some of the thieves looking to pluck wallets from pursed. Senior-day is attracting more thieves than in the past.
The most common scam is a tag-team approach where one suspect approaches the victim in the aisle while she pushes her cart. Suspect No. 1 asks the victim if she could help him or her read a box or can label. Sometimes they tell the victim their English is not good. While the Good Samaritan helps, Suspect No. 2 comes around from behind the victim, reaches into the purse and takes the victim’s wallet.
Many times the victim is unaware of the theft until she gets to the checkout line. The thieves are gone, headed straight to a retail store to use the stolen credit cards. Many times they’ll stop to gas up their car and grab some food on the way to a retail store. Favorite sites are electronic stores and other large retail locations close by. They’re on a short clock since the victim only has to call the card-issuer’s customer service line to cancel the card.
Why do they pick on seniors? They’re good set-up victims. They’ll help you if you need help. They’re not as skeptical at first and they tend to focus on what they’re doing and not so much looking around like us paranoid types. On grocery day, there will be 15 to 25 seniors in the store at once. It’s a social event as well so they’re not thinking about security or identity theft.
What to do?
First of all, most thieves want the credit cards to make big purchases. They need to gain access and stealing from the victim’s purse is the easiest way for them to get the card and get away.
Leave the purse at home if possible.
Put cash, credit/debit cards, and/or checks in a front pants pocket, not in coat pockets or back pockets.
If you take a purse into the store, strap it to the cart and zip it closed. If possible, take the wallet and / or cards out and refer to #2 above.
Don’t walk away, even a few feet, from a shopping cart with a purse in it.
Don’t get distracted and stay close to that purse when others are around your shopping cart.
IN THE PARKING LOT
While many seniors shop in groups and use buses to get in and out, some go to the store in cars.
Lots of thieves prefer the great outdoors. The most common outside approach happens while the victim is putting her groceries in the car. While she leans away from her cart to put the items in the car, a car drives up and the passenger gets out, grabs the purse, and the car speeds away, all in a couple of seconds.
What to Do?
When shopping, park the car as close to the store as possible. When leaving the store and pushing the cart to your car, go ahead and get the purse out of the cart and in your hands. That alone may be sufficient to discourage the would-be thief from selecting you on that day. They aren’t looking for a fight but rather a quick snatch-and-grab. Better yet, even if you take a purse into the store, keep the goods in your pocket as described above.
Look around for cars idling and persons who appear to be loitering. Locate them while you’re still near the store. You can always turn around and go back in or ask one of the store employees to escort you out.
Open the car door and put your purse in first and then your groceries.
If you live in a senior community with community shopping days or have a relative in one, tell residents to check with one another to make sure they have their wallets intact. If they see anyone who appears to be loitering in the store, let the store manager or employee know about it.
Just know these things do happen and make a couple of small adjustments to your normal habits and you’ll be fine.
If your wallet/purse is stolen, cancel the cards immediately. A good idea is to write down the customer service number for each of your credit cards and have that information handy in case you need to make a call. Don’t wait. Don’t go home if you can make the call where you’re at. Timing is very critical so make the call as soon as you realize those cards are lost or stolen.
The second call should be to the police. If the cards are stolen, you’ll need the documentation of a police report to counter the subsequent purchases that could be made on your credit card.
Michael Vick, protective vests & the weekly roundup
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Michael Vick just remembered that he was keeping jewelry in his water bottle instead of something else that a whole lot of people suspected as perhaps some pot or residue of pot. It was a very emotional interview with Vick on last evening’s TV news. There he sat trying to paint a picture of a possible conspiracy “I don’t want to say framed but look what I had to go through”
Was he framed? Maybe. As unfunny as Saturday Night Live is now, the Michael Vick skit was pretty darn good. It made the Internet rounds for weeks. Those guys at SNL are pretty desperate for humor. They may have had a plan.
The Miami-Dade cops were a little confused about the story. “That’s the first we’ve heard of that” said their spokesperson.
Why didn’t Vick explain the “jewelry” story at the time? Maybe he tried to and they muted him. They can do that you know. They tend to mute you so you can’t explain things. They do unexplained things here too. They put illegal drugs in cars of people who are just about to leave a bar at 2 a.m. and then secretly call the cops and tip us off. When the poor driver gets pulled over for something really insignificant like driving on the wrong side of the road, the cops know to look in his pockets because the conspiracy people told us the drugs would be there.
A vested interest in protecting cops Acworth police officer James Van Alstine survived a gunshot wound Thursday after a suspect shot him in the chest. The suspect, Anthony Bernard King, age 26, was killed in the return fire from the officer. If you know anyone in law enforcement, especially in small agencies that don’t provide protective vests, raise a few dollars and buy one. Better yet, do some serious fund-raising and buy them all one. Sandy Springs Police officers are issued vests and we don’t have a problem reminding them to wear them.
Investigation Update The investigation on the deceased child found almost two weeks ago in Sandy Springs continues. The detectives are following several pieces of information but we still do not know the identity of the mother. Any information can be forwarded to Detective Mike Lindstrom at 770-551-3310.
Burglary $3,000 in quarters was stolen in the 1000 block of Windridge Drive.
The victim said that upon return to the 5300 block of Peachtree Dunwoody Road from out of town, he found that someone had taken a 26” TV, Dell lap top and his I-Pod. I know this sounds simplistic but when you’re going to be out of town for a day or so, stash some of your good stuff in a place that would require some looking around to find.
A woman reported that her wallet was taken from her purse. The purse was sitting in the ‘steal-me’ position of her shopping cart.
The glass door of a retail business in the 7500 block of Roswell Road was shattered by someone who entered the business and took a cash register and a computer. There was no alarm or camera system. Invest in a camera and alarm system if you’re going to put all that money into a business. Maintain it and if something were to happen, you’ll be glad you did. A lot of people go to jail on good video evidence. If you have tape, upgrade to digital.
A 30-year old man was arrested after he tried to steal a deli sandwich from the Publix store at 1100 Hammond Drive. The man tried to walk out the front door after passing the checkout lanes. An employee grabbed the sandwich so the bad buy punched him in the shoulder. A passing shopper helped subdue the man until the cops got there. The suspect compounded his problem by giving a false name (See Sports Authority arrest below) and so he was charged with that as well.
The manager of a store in the 8200 block of Roswell Road said a young male came in and asked if the store would sell him a single condom. The employee said that they are only sold in packs. A few seconds later the male put a condom in his pocket and walked out and got into a car that was described as a white van, and left. The problem here is that not only was that guy a thief but apparently his social life ain’t doing so well either. If you don’t need the pack it doesn’t mean you have to admit it.
A 30-year old man was arrested at Sports Authority at 6690 Roswell Road for shoplifting clothing. Then he gave the officer a false name which, by the way doesn’t work. You sit in jail until we verify identification via fingerprints. It doesn’t take that long now days and it is another criminal charge that we levy. Don’t do it.
A 21-year old man was arrested and charged with Prowling and Loitering after cops were called to his ex-girlfriend’s apartment. She said that she heard noises on her balcony and previously she’s found things out of place inside her apartment and believed the suspect was coming inside. When they talked to the suspect, he said that he did go onto the balcony but only to retrieve his belongings. Then he said he wanted to talk to her. Boys, when it’s over, it’s over. Don’t make it worse. I’ve seen hundreds of scenarios like this. Stalking is never a good plan to get your girl back.
5400 block of Highpoint Road 30342 Two men, ages 46 and 47 were arrested in the 5400 block of Highpoint Rd. for Loitering and Prowling after officers received a call of suspicious people in the area According to the complainant, the men came onto her property and tried to open the door to her house. She did not know either one nor did they have business on the property. These are the kinds of arrests that we like. These two clowns were burglars-to-be. Don’t hesitate to call 911.
A 43-year old female was arrested after officers got a fight call at a residence in the 9400 block of Huntcliff Trace. On arrival they spoke with the woman who appeared to be intoxicated. She was a bit unruly and demanded to be taken to jail so she was. While being transported she banged her head against the car containment compartment and threatened to sue the officers. They told her the guy in the next paragraph had already done much worse.
A 45-year old man was arrested after officers were called to the Chevron at 5701 Roswell Rd. about a man standing in the doorway screaming obscenities. The man was cursing and threatening to kill the customers as well as the employee. The officers took the man into custody so the man began to curse and threaten to kill the officers and their families when he got out of jail. After the man was placed in the back seat of the police car, he began to bang his head against the window, all the while threatening to kill the window and the window’s family when he got out of jail. The car window was not damaged. After he got to jail he hit himself with his fist and then threatened his fist.
Thefts
A man advertised some collectables on the “Craig’s List” Internet site. He was contacted by another man in Chicago who wanted to swap similar collectables in return. The victim shipped the items to the Chicago address but never received the swapped items in return.
NOTE: My son had a Sony PSP portable game system when they first came out. He got bored with it and wanted to sell it. I advertised it on Craig’s List. I got about a dozen responses, all of which were fraud. One guy went to the extent of fabricating a U.S. Postal money order and all this other official stuff. The premise is the same. They want the item shipped prior to the money in your hand. Once you ship any item without a check or money order CLEARING the bank, the game, at that point, is over. You have no control. Craig’s List is a national site and sort of a gathering point for people to make deals. The site is legit and they tell you up front that scams are possible and to be careful. Bottom line: If someone wants to purchase your item via the Internet or even face to face, don’t let that stuff go until the check clears the bank.
Protect yourself against jewelry theft ring
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since January of this year there has been some activity directed at female victims exiting retail areas or entering or exiting cars in the parking lots of retail areas. These robberies have occurred mostly in the Buckhead area, however, an attempted robbery that fits the pattern took place in Sandy Springs February 21st at 1150 Hammond Drive, in the Publix parking lot. The time of this attempted robbery was 2 p.m. on a Wednesday.
BUCKHEAD ROBBERIES
Victims: Females ages 31-56
Incident dates, locations, times, day of the week
Jan 5th 3300 Peachtree Rd (Phipps) 9:08 p.m. Friday
Feb 11th 3535 Peachtree Rd 2:30 p.m. Thursday
Feb 14th 3500 Peachtree Rd (Phipps) 3:40 p.m. Sunday
Feb 19th 2625 Piedmont Rd (Michaelıs Art) 6:08 p.m. Friday
Feb 21st 1150 Hammond Dr (Publix) 2:00 p.m. Wednesday
Mar 6th 1250 West Paces Ferry Rd 3:30 p.m. Tuesday
Mar 14th 3489 Northside Pkwy 2:16 p.m. Wednesday
Mar 18th 3539 Piedmont Rd (Target) 6:55 p.m. Sunday
The suspects hit twice on a Sundays and Wednesdays. Both Wednesday robberies were around 2 p.m. Sunday robberies were later. With the exception of one robbery, the first, the suspects prefer the late afternoon and evening hours. Most of the activity centers in the Phipps or near Phipps area. The Hammond Drive robbery was included because it matched the time, method, and suspect lookout.
Common Threads
Look at the days and times these incidents occurred. Go against the grain and shop in the off-hours from those listed.
Be especially aware if you are in the 3300 block of Peachtree Road or any retail area, large shopping center parking lot where there are a lot of cars parked nearby.
Be vigilant when exiting your car and exiting a business and walking to your car.
Make an effort to stop, look around and take a good look at cars slowing driving up and/or down the parking lanes, pedestrian traffic, persons just hanging around the sidewalk or parking lot area. Donıt walk into trouble. If it looks the slightest bit wrong, donıt second guess yourself based on not wanting to take time to check out your situation. Go back in, call the police department on your cell, tell someone but do something to bring attention to this.
By far, the most effective way to keep a ring thief away is not wear a ring. Put them away at home or in your pocket when walking, or at least turn them under while you are in these public areas. The values of the stolen rings are between $10,000 and $60,000. The victims were either alone or with small children. The thieves are waiting until the victim is most vulnerable before they approach.
Checklist
In the car : As you approach and get ready to park, keep the doors locked. Remember, if the car is moving, you’re in control right? Are there people sitting in the adjacent cars? Standing around?
Getting out: My suggestion is have pepper spray in hand. Put the jewelry away at home or at least stashed away in the car. This means hidden. Putting jewelry in the console or glove compartment is not hidden. If someone breaks in, you’ll want them to have to search a long time to find jewelry. They don’t have much time.
Get out, look around, check it out and either move on out or get back in.
Walking in: Move out! Get off the phone, don’t look in your purse and definitely don’t use this time to admire your jewelry! Walk like you have a purpose, which you do. Look as you walk. This might be a good time to have the “crazy-face” on.
Walking out: Same thing only in reverse. First, while you’re still near the safety of the store, take a good scan and look for persons loitering or cruising in their cars. With your keys in hand, walk to the car (again, hopefully youıll have the pepper spray in hand as well) and get gone.
Attire: Many of you, as I do, wish to make a fashion statement every time you step out into public. However, given this recent trend in robberies, you may want to include tennis shoes instead of heels, for your next trip out to shop. Believe me, nothing says “I’m a trendsetter” better than a woman who can outrun an immediate threat. If you have to wear heels, though, shed them and go.
These bad guys are totally dependent on surprise. During this trend of parking lot robberies, leave your jewelry at home and scope it out before you walk into parking lots to and from stores. Atlanta Police said they do have leads on these cases but even when they catch these guys, this is good advice for short time periods that you are actually at risk.
As always, call anything suspicious, into the police at 911. Pepper spray can easily be purchased. On the web, search police-supply sites and look for pepper spray. www.galls.com is a common site that sells pepper spray. Mark IV is a popular brand and easily used. You want something that will shoot a stream. The approximate cost is about $15.
Crime & Punishment
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An employee of a drug store was walking the morning deposit to the bank located next door. She was approached by a male who demanded the money. She refused and then tried to run but tripped and fell. The suspect grabbed the money and fled. He got away with over $5,400.
I see several businesses do this and if you think about it, this is the perfect time to rob someone. They probably walk the money over at the same time so the bad guy did a little homework and now has a few grand in his pocket.
• Never transport money alone, even next door
• Vary deposit times and personnel
• Don’t use a ‘money’ bag. Use something that doesn’t stand out.
• You can call the police to stand by for a few minutes while you move money.
Crime: It’s in the bag
A woman said that she thinks that someone took her wallet from her purse that was in the shopping cart seat area known as the “Steal-Me” position. Someone later made two unsuccessful attempts to use the credit cards taken from her wallet.
Someone stole the victim’s purse from her electric shopping cart while she was shopping at a grocery store on Powers Ferry Road.
Someone stole the victim’s purse while she was shopping at a grocery store at Sandy Sprngs Place. She left it unzipped in the cart. Again, this is the “Steal-Me” location.
Arrests
A 36-year old woman was arrested for shoplifting batteries at the Target store on Johnson Ferry Road. Her 4-year old daughter, with her at the time, was turned over to a family friend. She will not be competing for Mother of the Year anytime soon.
A 47-year old homeless man was arrested at the Target store after he stole two bottles of mouthwash.
A 31-year old man was arrested following an attempted shoplifting at an office supply store on Roswell Road. The suspects left the area driving a silver-colored Chrysler New Yorker. Just like on Adam-12, the car turned onto Mt. Vernon Highway right in front of one of our officers driving a plain car. He was listening to the lookout at the time. Three people went to jail on this incident.
Careful where you try this
About 2:30 a.m. a man and his girlfriend were both arrested after officers were called to the apartment in regards to a woman screaming. According to the report, the man told his girlfriend that a woman gave him a ‘Titty-Twister’ at work. He told her that he gave the woman one back in return. This angered his girlfriend and they started arguing. The officer cited the man with furnishing alcohol to a minor and Disorderly Conduct. The woman, age 20, was charged with Minor in Possession and Disorderly Conduct.
The rule on Titty-Twisters is clearly defined as “The firm grasping and twist of one’s nipple not to exceed 180 degrees in either direction. It is intended to be male on male and usually perpetrated by one male sibling against a younger sibling and is generally seen in the ages ranging from the age of 6 to 16.”
In this case, although the receiver of the TT was a female who worked at a nude dance club, it is still most advisable to anyone reading this incident NOT to try this at a nude dance club even though the target is clearly visible. Ninja bouncers will fall from the ceiling and beat you to an inch of your twisted little life.
Other Stuff
A woman reported that she is afraid that one of her tenants is making porn films. She said she could see that two men and one woman appeared to be having sex on the back porch of the home. She added that it appeared that they had professional looking photographic equipment set up. Although no crime has been established, twelve detectives volunteered to follow up.
There were about a dozen misdemeanor cases of possessing pot and about an equal number of arrests for domestic violence and other things that could have been easily avoided if folks wouldn’t drink and act foolishly.
Remembering St. Patrick’s Day …and night
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today is St. Paddy’s Day. Have fun but please don’t do dumb things that will result in things like jails, hospitals, waking up with circus carneys and / or small farm animals or persons whose gender is not immediately recognizable. You need to know, rather than be informed who kissed your Blarney Stone.
Why do something stupid and end up in jail wearing nothing but a Viking helmet and some green parsley over your unmentionables, the product of what you thought was a good idea ten green beers ago?
The fact is that you can still have a good time and wake up the next day not regretting anything or having to reintroduce yourself to someone who doesn’t quite look like what you remember some eleven green beers and two green shooters ago.
There is quite a lot of dignity left in actually remembering St. Paddy’s Day each year.
Fight crime: Ban karaoke
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What is all the yelling and screaming about? Are you people nuts? The city council in Lilburn is trying to save your life and all you can do is complain? Let me tell you something. The city father and mothers and probably close relatives of Lilburn have done extensive research backing their decision not to allow karaoke, trivia, dancing, and other things, like fun, at establishments that serve alcohol.
Do you have any idea what can happen when you get a bunch of drunk karaoke-ridden people all pumped up on karaoke? Combine that with beer? You’re just asking for problems in the neighborhood.
History shows that someone, crazy on beer and karaoke, could force entry into one’s home, and subjects the victims to “The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston. They don’t stop there. Gwinnett County saw a sharp rise in drive-by ballads including “The Way You Look Tonight” by Elton John. Last year alone, three women were arrested within two square miles of the Lilburn City Hall after cops found them in possession of the same identical Karen Carpenter song “We’ve Only Just Begun.” One city official commented: “I don’t know what they were just beginning but Lord knows it couldn’t be good.”
The United States Bureau of Criminal Justice reported that in 2005 cases of illegal possession of Elvis wigs rose a staggering 32 percent. In summation, the article concluded that this single spike in Elvis activity could affect the market value of gold sunglasses and rhinestones.
Mayor Jack Bolton said Lilburn wants to attract restaurants but it wants to keep out bars that he says are masquerading as restaurants. City Council members all expressed concern that bars would lead to increased crime in Lilburn. To support their position, they brought in a drunk guy who, after only six minutes, asked for a beer and started singing “Friends in Low Places.” Before police could rush him out of the building, he asked the crowd what the capitol of Idaho was and then threw up on the floor.
If it weren;t obvious enough, let me point out that the Trivia Riots of 1987 started when Geneva Trenada, an employee at the Bastone School of Nail Art, failed to correctly answer the question: In the episode where Fonzie must perform a magic act in the place of the magician, what is the name of that trick and what materials did it require?
Geneva was injured by a member of the “Happy Days” motorcycle gang in attendance. The incensed crowd spilled into the streets and into the adjoining suburban community. Four people reported being tied up and forced to answer this question about the Brady Bunch: Why did the boys put itching powder in the girls’ sleeping bags?
As the victims screamed in fear, more questions were forced on them including: Who said, “I am a little Sunflower, sunny, brave, and true. From tiny bud to blossom, I do good deeds for you”? Witnesses used the term total chaos.
It is for our own good that local government regulates and monitors the explosive and volatile topics of karaoke and trivia. One or two songs, then a question or two and then BOOM! You got Vegas.
Many fear that clandestine pool halls and trivia contests will spring up in suburban areas. Police officials are setting up neighborhood patrols to monitor the sounds of bad singing and anyone purchasing more than one CD of KC and the Sunshine Band is required to register at city hall.
The council did amend the liquor law to allow arcade games and certain passive forms of dancing in certain establishments that serve more food that alcohol. The amendment calls dancing to allow “only movement above the waist with the exception of doing the Robot.”
The council should expect a hardy defense mounted by many lawyers with ponytails and bow ties at the next meeting. However the council, not to be outsmarted by those seeking radical forms of entertainment such as singing and asking questions, passed another ordinance late in the session declaring: “Any questions brought forth by legal counsel opposing the amendment will be considered trivia and thus not allowed.”
At the next session, the city council will address a proposed ordinance requiring a special permit to sing “Happy Birthday” by more than two people inside the city limits.
A discarded newborn shadows the day
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Today is not a good day. It is the leftover day from yesterday’s finding of a small child’s body.
There are times when you realize that human beings can stand up to the occasions and be heroic and then there are other times that you question how some people can stand to live another day after having done what they did.
One of those days was Sunday. A young boy, about 12, found a gym bag lying next to the street in his community of town homes. He looked in the bag and saw what he thought was a doll, until he touched it. He then realized that it was not a doll and he carried the bag to his home around the corner. What was in the bag was not a doll but a deceased newborn baby. We did a large media request and all of the stations were very responsive and helped get the word out; which is what we’ll need to do to find who the mother is.
Regardless of how many years you have been in the public safety field or medical field or media field, these calls are, by far, the worst. It is hard for anyone, especially parents, to fathom how anyone could discard a defenseless newborn child, on the side of the road like it was garbage. It was undignified and it was unnecessary.
Not wanting the child or not being able to raise a child is one thing but there are options under the Safe Haven Laws. Generally speaking, a mother can relinquish a newborn child, less than one week, to a medical facility including a hospital or infirmary or other active medical treatment area, and walk away with immunity from prosecution. There are certain preferred requirements such as the need for the mother to be identified but the law is set up to provide this option as opposed to throwing away the life of a child.
The mother could be a young teenager who possibly kept her pregnancy a secret. The child appears to be full-term. Maybe someone out there knows of a woman or young girl who was pregnant and now there is no baby with them. This is an act of desperation and as such, the mother may provide the clues to a family member or friend or neighbor that would tie this deceased child to her.
I did a bunch of media interviews. We asked the TV, radio, and newspaper to help us on this and they were very responsive. Thanks.
If you know someone, maybe a young girl who didn’t plan the pregnancy or someone that you think might be at risk, as a mother, and therefore may a risk to a newborn child, find out what you can do or what resources you can help provide.
Whoever did this to a small infant needs to be found and they need to be responsible for what they did. No human, especially a newborn child, totally defenseless, should die in such a way. I hope that we solve this case soon. Let’s hope Tuesday is a better day.
Crime & Punishment
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A 31-year old man was arrested at a hardware store on Roswell Road after he tried to steal a Porter-Cable 15-gauge nailer and two tape measures. The suspect was also charged with possessing drugs because he dropped 11 hits of crack when the security personnel stopped him.
Read this blog! A 15-year old was arrested for shoplifting a Griffin Power Jolt and Griffin I-Trip I-Pod attachment from Target on Johnson Ferry Road. The suspect took the items out of the packages and put them in his pocket. The theft was witnessed by loss-prevention personnel. That boy does not read this weekly report or he would know that Target security makes a LOT of shoplifting arrests.
Should have gone to grandma’s house instead Two women and a man were arrested by officers after a call from Michigan from one of the girl’s grandmother. The grandmother said that her granddaughter had been listed as missing under suspicious circumstance from Michigan. Officers responded to the area and eventually located a hotel room where the granddaughter was believed to be. The complainant said that she was told by her 20-year old granddaughter that she had been kidnapped and was being held against her will. She further said that her granddaughter told her that the man and woman who were with her, forced her to fly with them from Las Vegas to Atlanta and forced her to prostitute herself. After all parties were located and secured, the detectives interviewed the victim who soon changed her story to say that she and the other woman were prostitutes and, along with the man, were setting up camp, via the Internet (escort service) in this area. All three were charged with Pandering, Possession of Marijuana, and Obstruction (running from the police officers.)
No home but maybe he has a yard A 39-year old homeless man was arrested after officers saw him carrying a large bag while walking. The officers previously saw the man three minutes earlier without the bag. Inside the bag was a Stihl leaf blower which the man could not explain.
So that’s why women carry big purses A 20-year old woman was arrested for Shoplifting after concealing 24 clothing items and 2 CD’s in her bag and then attempted to leave the store.
Lexux owner arrested for very unperfect crime A 29-year old man was arrested after he tried to fake the stealing and arson of his Lexus. He took the car down to Morgan Falls and tried to set it on fire by pouring an accelerant in the front seat and then setting it on fire. Unfortunately for him, once he lit the fire, he closed the door and cut off the flow of oxygen to the fire so it went out. On top of that he was sitting on Georgia Power property which was well covered in closed circuit television so the whole thing was well recorded on video. His admitted intent was to file a fraudulent insurance claim on it.
Wasn’t time to get further away The resident of a home reported that someone took their statue of a turtle from their yard. It was later recovered nearby.
A really hard contractor to contact A woman reported that she contracted with a salesman, representing a cabinet company, to do a job at the cost of just over $13,800. She wrote a check for $6,990 as a deposit. The salesman said he would contract with a Woodstock, Georgia cabinet company to do the actual work scheduled for last December. In November, the contractor that would be doing the work, called and said they needed to revise the original contract and the cost would be $14,595. The victim wrote another check in the amount of $7,695. The contractor came and installed some shelves but never returned after that. She called the original salesman and the contractor. Neither returned the call. She contacted the company who the original salesman represented, and was told by their representative that they would not honor the contract because it was not valid and the contractor had not been authorized to represent the company. (Two words: Investigative Reporter) the case number is 2007-002723.
One day in the fight against crime
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3/7/07 Today is Wednesday. Wednesday is significant because it represents the midpoint of the week as well as our weekly staff meeting day. The downhill starts about 7 p.m. following the staff meeting. Command staff meetings are interesting and can be either really good or really bad depending on the numbers. Part 1 crimes dictate much of the meeting. It’s all about the numbers for serious crime. Control serious crime and it will have a tumbling effect on the other crimes. Collectively, our goal is to keep those numbers as low as is practical. Crime happens. If you think that we’ll ever see zero crime again, you need to stop watching “The Andy Griffith Show.” With the exception of Barney, it’s not very realistic.
A practical goal, as it relates to crime and the activity of crime, is to push as much of it to your neighbor’s jurisdiction as possible. I have great respect for all of the surrounding police agencies, however, I want our crooks to decide it’s easier to do business over there. Nothing personal. Believe me, individually, it’s their policy too. So we have this great crime control model that amounts to constant displacement. If we all do our jobs, crooks will be in a constant state of movement. The hope is that they will become disoriented fall down.
Two pieces of earth-shattering news for the day: First, someone swiped one of those Sandy Springs turtles. If you recall, four were missing for several weeks until the detective found them sunk in a small pond. They were raised, resuscitated, and reinstated in their proper places. This turtle-napping took place a couple of days ago. We found the turtle a short distance away, painted and somewhat shaken but last I checked it was in good spirits. Along with the return of the turtle came the taunting note from the turtle-nappers telling us that turtle-napping is just foreplay. This was accompanied by some symbols that amounted to the effect of: Bad guys 1 SSPD 0 It sounds like someone went to see the Zodiac movie. For those of you in the media that wondered why we didn’t say anything about the turtle-napping, the answer is purely selfish: I don’t think that I could do that interview with a straight face and I don’t want to waste your video tape. “Tell us about the theft officer” “Well, the turtle was taken at some time on Tuesday.” “Do you have any suspects?” “To tell you the truth, I’m taken back by the taunting note left by the Town Turtle thieves.” “How are you investigating the case?” “We’re not taking this lightly Tom. Turtle Task-Force.” “Sounds like you’re making fun of this.” “Totally.” Those turtles aren’t cheap. My advice: Bolt them down and lock the bolts to the nuts and use the 5/8 drill bits and lag bolts and 2.5 torque per square flexi-inch and then get you some deep runners and sink them babies down about 35 inches. Be careful to mark the power lines and then get some u-bolts and bolt them down in a “U” sort of way and then buy some power tools because every new project needs a new power tool regardless if or not it has anything to do with the actual project. Once you get all that stuff done then call the alarm guy out and lastly build a fence around the area of the turtle as not to affect the accent lighting around all those holly bushes. You see, the weaknesses in these turtles are the bolts. Someone figured out that if you unscrew the bolts, the turtle lifts right out! Bolt them down as sort of stated above and lock it in. There are ways to do it. Go see the hardware guy but measure the bolt first because there is nothing more embarrassing than not knowing the 5/8 from the ¾. Don’t forget to say the words “lag bolts” a lot. It has nothing to do with it but makes you sound all hardware-ish.
Wednesday afternoon The second great event of the day will affirm my philosophy that most crooks are truly moronic little trolls. What they excel in is the opportunity. Even then, it appears that not all their dogs are barking.
A guy wants to get rid of a Lexus. He decides that arson is the answer. He waits until late at night and hauls it on a trailer to an area near Morgan Falls. He pushes it off the trailer but it rolls down a bit and comes to rest on a fence. Perhaps the original plan was to sink it in the Chattahoochee, I don’t know.
He surveys his situation and then leaves. About an hour later he returned to the car. He opened the door and poured an accelerant, probably gasoline, in the front seat area and lights it. It begins to flame up. He then closes the door, gets back into his vehicle and leaves. Well, he must have skipped high school science on the day they discussed fire needing oxygen to burn and he forgot that Lexus makes a pretty good car meaning that when you shut the doors, it’s pretty much air-tight. The fire soon went out and the car did not disappear as he planned. Now, how did we know all this? The first and final mistake this guy made was his choice of locations to commit the crime. The property he was on is owned by a company that believes in top notch video surveillance.
Late in the day Finally, although his intentions were probably good, a guy brought his friend up to our office to get her car from impound after her arrest for impaired driving. He said he was going to drive her so, as we do, we checked his driver’s license. He was wanted by another department so we took him into custody and off to jail. The girl was left without a way to get the car because she didn’t have her license. Somewhere between the Doraville and Fulton County Jail and the Sandy Springs Police Department, her license, according to her statement, was lost.
Crime & Punishment
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Someone removed a wallet from the victim’s purse while she was shopping at the Kroger Store at 227 Sandy Springs Place. (How many times have you read this? Zip the purse up and strap it to the cart. Don’t leave it open for view.)
The DMV reported that someone took their traffic cones along Roswell Road.
A doctor at 275 Carpenter Drive said that he suspects one of his patients of stealing a blank prescription pad.
A man tried to fraudulently return an item at a store in the 5900 block of Roswell Road. The employee questioned the return so the guy grabbed some sheets and ran out.
A woman reported that she hired a woman to do her taxes. She was due a refund but when she checked with IRS she found that the refund was sent to the tax person. The refund was deposited to an account in South Carolina where the suspect is believed to be now.
Ryan, age 24, was arrested following a traffic stop. His friend the driver was arrested for DUI. He was given the option of a taxi and asked to stay in the car until it arrived. Ryan, being drunk and all, got out of the car three separate times and walked around on the roadway getting all mad and displaying a very negative attitude and all. (Note to drunks: If the cops are calling you a taxi, that’s your clue to be quite and stay under the radar.)
A 20-year old man was arrested for Possession of Marijuana after employees at Arlington Cemetery found him sleeping next to one of the graves. He did not know whose grave it was, he was just stoned and sleepy.
A 45-year old woman was arrested for Prostitution, Pandering, and Battery after police received a call of an argument inside one of the units at 6558 Roswell Road. The defendant, a veteran of the prostitution business, said the man in the apartment picked her up on Metropolitan Parkway and drove her back to the residence. The man said he gave the hooker twenty bucks in exchange for her services then got into an argument with her over the money. He said she then whooped him, splitting his lip open. She told the officers she was a hooker but not hooking on that night. She did however have twenty dollars stashed away. She was taken to jail.
Bonnie, age 44, was arrested for panhandling money on the GA 400 southbound ramp at Abernathy. She was collecting money from cars waiting on the light at the end of the ramp. Folk, don’t contribute funds to them. Most of it goes to booze or crack.
Three persons, ages 18, 16, and 15, were arrested near Lake Forrest Drive and I-285 for Participation in Criminal Street Gang Activity, Interference with Government Property, and Possession of Cocaine after an officer, familiar with the subjects, found wet graffiti recently painted, near where they were standing. The three suspects are believed to be members of the “Riverside Locos” gang. They normally tag in the name “RSL-13.”
A 42-year old man was arrested for urinating on a dumpster next to a convenient store. As he was urinating, an officer happened to be passing by and noticed it. Timing is everything.
A 47-year old man was arrested for his attempt to steal seven watches and some cologne that he pushed up the sleeve of his coat at Target on Johnson Ferry Road. He was arrested and taken to jail.
Entering Autos
Beat 20 The area around Peachtree Dunwoody Road and Windsor Parkway has experienced thefts from cars this month. The same general area was also hit last November. Time frame: 1:45 a.m. to 4:15 a.m. Primary days: Sunday and Monday mornings Primary dates: 10th - 11th and 25th and 26th. Target: Items in plain view Affected areas: Windsor Gate Court, Windsor Gate Cove, Crestwicke Point, Crestwicke Trail, Starlight Drive, Starlight Circle, Starlight Lane, Old Woodbine road, and Longchamps Drive.
Beat 24 Recently there have been two entering autos and one burglary reported along Heards Ferry Road area: Heards Creek Drive (2) and Heards Drive. Dates: February 14th and 27th Days: Weekend on two of them and between Wednesday and Thursday on the third. Target: Meat was taken from a garage. A door was unlocked. The other two were thefts from autos, items in plain sight. In December there were similar incidents in the same area. Those locations were Old Hickory Point, Old Creek Trail, and Weatherly Drive. Times: 2:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Beat 38 A recent analysis of thefts from autos showed the following: Location: Prado area 5600 Roswell Road and areas NORTH of I-285. Times: 12:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Days: Thursdays and Fridays are most likely.
Beat 38 south of I-285. (Beat 38 encompasses the area centering at Roswell Road and I-285) Time: 1:45 a.m. to 4:45 a.m. Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays are the most likely. Locations: Kingsport Drive and Northwood Drive.
By-the-numbersFebruary 19-25 1 Attempted forcible rape (arrest) 7 Non-residential burglaries 14 Residential burglaries 5 Motor vehicle thefts 4 Robberies 17 Thefts (general) 13 Drunk guys who went to jail for talking when they should have been thinking. 4 Bars playing “Desperado” for the last song of the night. 7 Drunk rednecks who said “I love you baby” to the drunk girl they met two hours earlier, as they slow-danced to “Desperado,” the last song of the night, and just minutes before she threw up in his 1979 Trans AM
Road Rules: Rain brings on Wreckpalooza
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You would think that the end of the world was coming. Today is Thursday and it’s raining. This means that for some unknown reason, forces compel us to drive with the same amount of lack of caution as we do on dry days. End result: Wreckpalooza.
If you have an accident, and nobody is hurt then start looking for the silver lining in the big dark cloud which is, nobody got hurt. Usually that doesn’t make you feel better until later.
If your car isn’t totaled, move it. Don’t leave it there to screw up everyone else’s ride home. If you hit the back of someone’s car then chances are that the big clue, being the damage to your front and their back, is that you hit the car from behind. Move the cars. Don’t say “My insurance person said to leave the cars where they are.” No. If you tell the officer this, the insurance person should be subpoenaed to court so we can chastise them. Move your car to a spot that is nearby, keeping in mind that driving home is not nearby in most cases, so that traffic can move on. You’ll be harassed less by passing motorists.
If the car is totaled out, disregard the above paragraph.
People have accidents for many reasons. While in traffic this morning, I saw a guy, driving and reading a novel. It was insane. Why can’t he read the paper like the rest of us?
If you get into an accident, the first rule is to not say what you want to say when the other driver walks up. If nobody gets hurt then everyone will most likely be upset. Don’t let that be your justification for verbally going off on someone. Remember, there are many out there who can whoop you.
Statistics say that over 73 percent of people who verbally abuse the driver who caused their accident get whooped by that driver. Before you say anything, take time to look at the driver before you spout off. Make sure they are defenseless before you go to telling them what for.
Please, give it a little space between cars and pay attention to the rainy conditions. If you have a bump-and-greet, though, move the cars out of the lane if you can and bite your lip and just make the best of it. Again, please, move your (%$^$^&)-ing car out of the way. Thank you.
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