Several months back I ran into some Gwinnett neighbors concerned about an apparent crime wave targeting the Indian/South Asian community. A fairly sophisticated group of individuals were conducting armed robberies at the homes of Indian families in Cobb, Fulton and Gwinnett.
Thieves targeted this group because many keep expensive gold jewelry and other valuables in the home. This gang of thugs watched their prey’s comings and goings, anticipated religious holidays when jewelry might be worn and knew who might be at home any given hour.
The robbers’ pattern included striking in the early evening. Families were bound and guns held to the heads of children to force parents to reveal the location of hidden valuables. With few exceptions, no one was physically injured.
The criminals took their time, often remaining in each home as much as an hour. There was no need to rush since lookouts were posted at each neighborhood entrance to alert those inside if police were on their way.
While crimes like this can happen at any time, these low-lifes were apprehended and either deported or locked safely behind very strong bars.
Many in the Indian community feel safer now thanks to the joint efforts of local police and their own efforts to educate homeowners about security. Much like Neighborhood Watch programs offered by every local police department, Indian community leaders pulled together to form their own non-profit organization called “Eye On Crime.”
Eye On Crime (EOC) keeps those registered updated on recent criminal events without divulging information that might hamper police investigations, and provides security tips along with common sense advice to minimize the chances of becoming a victim.
Advice has included reminders to install motion-activated floodlights, activate and use alarm systems, and vary personal schedules to avoid the predictable.
EOC also encourages homeowners to have local police conduct a security audit of the home and register with Smart911, a free service that allows police to locate your house very rapidly and alerts emergency personnel to look for pets and children in the event of a fire.
These citizens impress me, not only because they have stronger security measures in place and coordinated efforts led to the arrest of these bad guys, but because they pulled together in support of one another. As my friends put it, “we can’t prevent every crime, but we can do our part to be safer.”
For more information about these programs visit: www.eyeoncrime.org, www.smart911.com or contact your local police about establishing a Neighborhood Watch program.
Karen Huppertz has lived in Gwinnett 14 years. Reach her at karenhuppertz@gmail.com.
