Atlanta Police Offer Crime Prevention and Holiday Safety Awareness Advice

Staff Report

The holiday season brings out the best in people who choose this time of year to volunteer, donate, and spend time with loved ones. Unfortunately, it also brings out the worst in opportunistic criminals. It’s a particularly vulnerable time for burglaries and car break-ins, as holiday shopping and events provide criminals ample targets of opportunity.

To better protect the public, the Atlanta Police Department will enhance uniform patrols, officer visibility, and citizen awareness during the holiday season in an effort to reduce crimes of opportunity. In addition to extending overtime hours for police officers, and working closely with community partners to enhance visibility, the department would like citizens to follow a few simple crime prevention tips. The following tips have been adopted from the National Crime Prevention Council:

• Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted.
• Never leave any valuables in an unattended car.
• When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.
• Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day.
• Don’t display your cash or any other inviting targets such as cell phones, hand-held electronic tablets or games, expensive jewelry and clothing.
• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.
• Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.
• Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.
• Always lock your car, even if it’s in your own driveway; never leave your motor running.
• Do everything you can to keep a stranger from getting into your car or to keep a stranger from forcing you into his or her car.
• If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up your life. If you are robbed or assaulted, report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent someone else from becoming a victim, and assist police in apprehending criminals.

During the holiday season, heavy shopping and entertainment areas such as malls, grocery stores and restaurant/bar districts typically increase the number of off-duty officers to provide extra coverage. These additional officers help to supplement the police department’s allocated staffing to prevent and reduce crime during this time of year.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the great holiday traditions Atlanta is known for, from Nutcracker performances at the Fox Theatre, to the New Year’s Eve Peach Drop… including the holiday lights and Christmas parades,” Chief Turner said. “Although we’ve made great strides in making Atlanta a safer city, we also hope visitors and residents will take simple, common sense measures to ensure they reduce their chances of being victimized.”

The Atlanta Police Department’s Holiday Plan utilizing extended patrols and increased visibility will extend well into the New Year.