Piedmont Hospital increases security after 20 cars broken into

Metro Atlanta law enforcement agencies have reported crimes of opportunity this holiday season. (John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com)

Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC

Credit: JOHN SPINK / AJC

Metro Atlanta law enforcement agencies have reported crimes of opportunity this holiday season. (John Spink / John.Spink@ajc.com)

Piedmont Atlanta Hospital has increased security after 20 cars were broken into this week, a spokesperson said Wednesday.

Atlanta police officers were called to the Peachtree Road hospital about 3 a.m. Tuesday to speak with victims and found at least 20 vehicles parked at the hospital had been broken into, the department said.

“We are deeply saddened by the violation caused by a few individuals in a place where our frontline workers, including nurses, doctors and other hospital staff, tirelessly show up to serve our communities and where patients seek care to protect and restore their health,” the hospital said in an emailed statement.

The incident occurred as the department warns folks to remain vigilant during the busy holiday season.

“Burglaries are one of the most common crimes and, in many cases, are a result of opportunistic thieves gaining access through open or unlocked doors and windows,” APD said in a social media post.

Piedmont already has around-the-clock safety patrols, the hospital said. But the break-ins forced the hospital to step up efforts to keep both employees and visitors safe.

“In addition to assisting authorities as they investigate this incident, we have added additional public safety officers to support existing 24/7 patrols of the Piedmont Atlanta campus,” the hospital said.

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Posted by Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & Northeast Georgia on Tuesday, December 7, 2021