View from the cop: Crime & punishment
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AJC.com > Metro > View from the cop > Archives > 2008 > October > 21 > Entry
Crime shifts into high gear
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A woman called and demanded we enforce the noise ordinance on the news helicopters that fly over head between 3 - 7 p.m. I didn’t call her back because I wasn’t in the best of moods and how can you talk to someone like that without letting some well-placed sarcasm out? It was one of those weeks where people were calling us for strange reasons.
Did you know that dogs biting folks is a legit reason to call the cops but dogs humping them isn’t?
Street robberies are up. For those of you in the food-delivery business, take heart to this: The number of robberies of food delivery drivers is up. The most common scenario is this: A fake order is placed to an apartment complex. The bad guys, usually two, are in a vacant apartment or hiding around the corner from a vacant apartment. They jump the driver and take the cash and sometimes the pizza.
Most of the times the age of the bad guys are in the area of late teens to early twenties. Don’t carry too much cash (although meth-heads will shoot you for ten bucks) and although it’s probably difficult to do, your chances are better they’ll abort the robbery if you show up with a second employee.
Some pizza delivery polices include meeting the customer at a public place when they live in high-crime areas.
Another trade taking a hit during this pseudo-sort-of-recession is the landscaping business. Thefts of landscaping equipment are up including stolen landscaping trucks. The fact that drivers are leaving the keys in them isn’t helping much. Many times they steal the truck, drive it to a remote area, strip the equipment, and leave the truck. Here’s a hint: Don’t leave the (%#$*&)ing keys under the floor mat. Other times, they steal the equipment while the workers are in the yard working. This stuff gets sold later on.
The GPS going rate is about $40 on the street. That’s not bad for a $300 Garmin. Laptops are still often stolen and unfortunately there’s an AR-15 out there we’d like back please! Don’t put things in the trunk of the car after you arrive at wherever you’re going. These crooks who specialize in parking lot thefts will sit and watch from their cars. They see someone get out and put a purse in the trunk and there is the target. At least give it some thought.
There are some who have disengaged the trunk release button so that you can’t get into the trunk other than with the key or forcing it.
What else? Sadly enough, there are more honest people doing dishonest things. I’m sure some of it is economy-driven but, for instance, in shoplifting cases, we see a lot of people with no prior arrests stealing from retail stores like Target, Lowes’ and so on. (By the way, Target is excellent in catching shoplifters. They triple any other retail store in arrests.)
Anyway, the things people are stealing aren’t necessities. Just luxuries they paid for in the past but now can’t afford them. Dude, life goes on without an iPod.
Be careful and take stock in what you have. Empty the car at night because breaking into garages isn’t uncommon during the wee hours. Just think a bit about your house and car and really, the goal is to make it difficult. You can’t necessarily build a fort but you can make it hard enough for the bad guy to decide to hit somewhere else. I don’t know what to tell you about the ($@&#$^)ing helicopters!
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Comments
By Surly J
October 21, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
Steve, are ALL fireworks now legal, or just the ones without a bang? I thought it was only the quiet ones (like sparklers, showers of sparks, etc) which were now legal in GA. Recently, some teenagers were shooting off LOUD fireworks at 11PM and woke up my toddler. When I called to ask for an officer to drive by, the dispatcher assured me that all fireworks including bottlerockets and firecrackers are now permitted in GA.
By Surly J
October 21, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
Steve, are ALL fireworks now legal, or just the ones without a bang? I thought it was only the quiet ones (like sparklers, showers of sparks, etc) which were now legal in GA. Recently, some teenagers were shooting off LOUD fireworks at 11PM and woke up my toddler. When I called to ask for an officer to drive by, the dispatcher assured me that all fireworks including bottlerockets and firecrackers are now permitted in GA.
By huh?
October 22, 2008 2:09 AM | Link to this
Uh, yeah, Steve? Isn’t it true that NASA only had so many job openings and all of those that didn’t get hired went to work as a County dispatcher? HA! No, seriously though, do you think smoke bombs are included in the list of permitted fireworks? And as for the LOUD fireworks,… what actually is loud? Can it be a little loud, but not too loud? And what about sparkage? Is there a limit to the spark quantity of one firework? I don’t know,…a shower of sparks seems to be a bit much. Does the Police force have a squad to combat this? Maybe they’re called the “Fireworks UnderCover - Unit” or something?
I’m sorry, I digress. You were saying?
By Abider
October 22, 2008 5:45 AM | Link to this
When they start stealing the helicopters, Steve, then we enter a new era. Imagine the OJ Bronco chase if OJ was the one in the helicopter, and the police were chasing him in their squad cars. The chase would have lasted four seconds. “He was up there a minute ago, but he took off that way. It was definitely OJ, though, we think. Yeah, he was wearing a fake beard and laughing at us. Who let OJ train on a helibird anyway? “
Imagine the new coverage? “This is your eyewitness news reporter Pete Smith. OJ escaped a convoy of police cars in a helicopter. We dont know where the heck he is. We now return you all to wheel of fortune.”
By "Spank" the monkey
October 22, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
Target does do a good job of catching shoplifters though they appear to have a policy that if the cops don’t arrive within 45 minutes, they let the suspect go with a warning not to come back. Marshalls is an easy place to shoplift, but the only drawback is they don’t have all the cool stuff Target has. Lowes and Home Depot are getting better at loss prevention though still have a ways to go. Take it from me (no pun intended) don’t shoplift,’cause it ain’t worth the humiliation of getting caught and eventually you will get caught. Nobody likes a theif including the theif. But if you do shoplift, don’t do it often or for a long time and stay away from the music/electronic section. Remember (and don’t ever forget) if you’re going to do something wrong…. do it right.
By Cassie
October 22, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
A missing AR15? One would think that would be rather obvious…..the bf has been looking to buy one of those himself..I guess we’d better hurry up and do that before obama gets elected…
By Gern
October 22, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
“Spank the Monkey” is right on dudes. Do it right. Even the cops hate thieves with low self-esteem. How do you respect a shoplifter with five pounds of tools in his pocket sticking out like—-five pounds of tools. Learn from your elders kids, make the game more interesting and don’t forget to blame others when you get caught. It’s the American way.
By reader
October 22, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
We have a neighbor who has been storing power equipment in the bed of his pick-up truck…in his driveway…clearly visible to the casual passer-by…and mostly likely, obvious to the criminally-minded (if that’s a word). It’s like he’s extending an open invitation. And, this guy’s house was burglarized last spring. Some people just don’t learn. We’re guessing it won’t be long before he catches the bad guys’ attention again. The concern is that the rest of the n’hood will be targeted as well.
By SWMarietta
October 22, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
I got asked a bunch of stupid questions by a Security Guard at the Johnson Ferry and 120 Target and then was asked to empty my pockets as I was waiting for coffee at the Starbucks. As I slammed my keys and wallet on the counter another guy poked his head out of a door and said, “That’s not the guy”. The guard couldn’t high-tail it out of there fast enough. I was livid.
By Lisa
October 22, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
I saw a shoplifter get tased at Target in Sandy Springs. It was really cool until the bad guy fell right behind my car and I couldn’t go anywhere.
By Lisa
October 22, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
I saw a shoplifter get tased at Target in Sandy Springs. It was really cool until the bad guy fell right behind my car and I couldn’t go anywhere.
By Yikes
October 22, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Don’t taze me bro’!
By clyde
October 22, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this
Back when I worked night shift I used to leave goodies for the thieves in the seat of my truck.Laxitive laced chocolate cookies and a couple of bottles of beer that had sat in the sun for two weeks were my favotites.I don’t actually know of the damage these items caused but I can imagine.
By Gram
October 22, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
I used to purposely leave my car unlocked (rather than risk having a crook break the locks), and leave my trash (gift-wrapped, of course) in the back seat. It’s cheaper than paying for trash pick up, and it was stolen every time! Would love to have seen the faces of those crooks when they opened rotten eggs, rotten potatoes (peee-eewww) and my dog’s droppings in a beautiful gift box. LOL I giggle thinking about it. My car was not worth a crook’s time to steal. It was a junker, so all they were interested in was what was in the back seat. MY TRASH! giggles This works especially well this time of year when people are starting their holiday shopping.
By Dixie
October 22, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
clyde and gram are my kinda guys.
Lt. Steve - Have you checked ebay and craigslist for the AR-15?
By Becky Sue
October 22, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
Also, id you’re going to steal stay away from the Cosmetics section in stores like Target, Walmart, etc…but really it’s not worth it if you get caught.oh & its bad Karma.
By Becky Sue
October 22, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Also, id you’re going to steal stay away from the Cosmetics section in stores like Target, Walmart, etc…but really it’s not worth it if you get caught.oh & its bad Karma.
By Cindy
October 22, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
I like helicopters. No complaining forthcoming even if they fly over me all day.
Kohls is pretty good at catching shoplifters too.
By Duh
October 22, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Hey Steve,
Is the new Chief gonna get rid of that dunderhead running the PD??? Some people just need to go back to where they came, instead of ruining a good place to work! I hear the morale is so bad between IA, points system, and witch hunts that nothing can get done. Wish you well and hope you can keep those knives outta your back!!! P.S. STAY OUTTA THE NEWS!!!!
By The truth about cops
October 23, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
Robbery is certainly a concern during these trying times. Fortunately, I’ve never been robbed by a meth head.
I have, however, had my money stolen from overzealous traffic cops. Here’s the kicker- even if you DIDN’T break a traffic law, they have no problem lying so they can steal money from your children’s mouths, by writing an outrageously expensive bogus ticket.
Meth heads? I’m more worried about these valiant public service workers that can steal money from you LEGALLY.
By clyde
October 23, 2008 3:01 AM | Link to this
Gram—-Boxes of horse manure wrapped in brown paper with fake addresses on them will serve for the rest of the year.
Since I don’t plan to give many real presents this year and since I really do need to get rid of a bunch of gift boxes and left over wrapping paper———-.
By Stone
October 23, 2008 5:39 AM | Link to this
Truth- you haven’t been robbed by the meth heads because the cops are throwing them in jail. You haven’t been killed by a drunk driver because cops are all over the place giving tickets and keeping their eyes open for illegal activity. Boo Hoo you got a ticket and now you want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The truth about cops? We need them and should support them. If you ever get attacked and fear for your life, who are you going to call a meth head? Here’s a kleenex, wipe your nose, you’re dripping all over the blog.
By Dixie
October 23, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this
I think clyde has come up with the ultimate recycled gift.
Clyde - just make sure you tell them it’s the best present for thier compost pile. Otherwise they’ll think it’s just another $hitty gift.
By Will
October 23, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this
Say it ain’t so Steve! I thought Sandy Springs would have solved and prevented all crime by now? scratching head
Maybe Milton, Johns Creek, and Chattahoochee Hill Country have the answer rolling eyes
By The Forgotten Messiah.
October 23, 2008 7:21 AM | Link to this
A man shoplifted a large block of free government cheese from a soup kitchen during a severe recession and market correction. A long soup line of homeless people, hungry and cold, witnessed the act. After secreting the cheese in his raggedy coat, the unarrestable man began to act nonchalant, pretending to whistle, his eyes wandering around the room, like he wasn’t doin’ nuthin’. The line of cold, hungary homeless guys all exchanged glances, and realized the thief was unaware of the government program and really believed he was stealing. Several would-be-informer’s mouths were muffled by old-gloved hands as most in the soup line wanted to see what the man would do. The entertainment value was simply too good for the dollar amount spent.
Now, in escape mode, the thief had to run a gaunlet between the queue line and those already seated and enjoying their soup, (and cheese). As the thief mosied in closer, several in the line nodded in conspired agreement over the timing of any retribution. They all marveled at the shoplifter’s nonchalance. “Excuse me. How ya doin’. That look good. What up,” murmurred the thief as he richoceted off of the people trafficking the open areas between the soup and tables.
A volunteer worker stood behind the serving table, and observed all the elements of the pending confrontation. She alerted the rest of the aid workers, and they stood ready with heavy ladles, tasers and numb-chucks just in case. The thief was allowed to pass the first three or four queueing conspirators. It was on.
stay tuned for part two of, “Real Thieves dont Queue for Quiche”. or “McCain warned us this would happen.”
By slimatlanta
October 23, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this
APD…the biggest joke in law enforcement in the USA.I fear for my life when I see one.
By Cindy
October 23, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
The Forgotten Messiah,
What the heck was all that???
Anyway, when’s part 2?
Waiting…
:)
By North by Northwest
October 23, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, a missing AR-15, a vice cop accused of going too far with prostitute arrests, the first chief of police leaving office recently, etc. It seems the new SSPD is in the news more often now. Funny, you never heard any stuff like this when Fulton PD patrolled the area. it appears that Sandy Springs is not too great an area, or a city.
By North by Northwest
October 23, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, a missing AR-15, a vice cop accused of going too far with prostitute arrests, the first chief of police leaving office recently, etc. It seems the new SSPD is in the news more often now. Funny, you never heard any stuff like this when Fulton PD patrolled the area. it appears that Sandy Springs is not too great an area, or a city.
By North by Northwest
October 23, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, a missing AR-15, a vice cop accused of going too far with prostitute arrests, the first chief of police leaving office recently, etc. It seems the new SSPD is in the news more often now. Funny, you never heard any stuff like this when Fulton PD patrolled the area. it appears that Sandy Springs is not too great an area, or a city.
By The Forgotten Messiah.
October 23, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Cindy. The topic was shoplifting. Read Steve Rose’s article please, then blog.
Go and grin no more :0)
By Cindy
October 23, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this
I did read Steve’s article. I commented on it last night. Today’s comment was about your story.
I’m still gonna grin…see… :)
By Dixie
October 23, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
North by Northwest - you sited 3 headlines. 3 times
(Really only 2 - the vice cop didn’t break a law. You would know that if you’d actually read the whole article.)
And let’s see - during that time how many headlines on non-SSPD? 300+ ? 3,000+ ?
A fraction of 1% isn’t enough to get panties in a wad. At least not for cognizant carbon based life forms.
By "Spank" the monkey
October 23, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
That “forgotten messiah” sounds like that idiot analchorus. What a reject. I too had trouble figuring out what that was all about. Mindless drivel.