Cobb County Police PENS Program

The PENS Dispatch

Posted July 17, 2008

PENS Bulletin

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is a summary of trends that we are seeing in your area. Be sure to check your PENS Web site for reports and details.

It appears that East Cobb survived the July 4th celebrations without significant incident. I want to thank everyone for their attention to safety in dealing with fireworks.

Below is a phishing scam and should be ignored-

PHISHING TELEPHONE CALL - The Jury Duty Scam!

This scam has been verified and reported by the FBI.

Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced.

The Scam

A caller claims to be a jury coordinator telling you a warrant has been issued for your arrest because you failed to appear for jury duty. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo your identity was just stolen.

The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, and Colorado. This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.

If you receive such a telephone do not provide the information they ask for, instead ask them for the name of the court from which the summons for jury duty was issued. If they provide you with the name of the court, hang up and then call the court to report the scam and verify they did not issue you a summons for jury duty.

It is always a good practice to never give personal information to anyone on an unsolicited telephone call.

Current crime trends-

Statistics are now available for the month of June. Here are the statistical comparisons of June to the previous month-

June May

Business Burglary- 12 vs Business Burglary - 22

Residential Burglary- 40 vs Residential Burglary- 39

Theft - 78 vs Theft- 48

Entering Auto- 60 vs Entering Auto- 35

Criminal Trespass- 61 vs Criminal Trespass- 39

For the month of July we are on pace for 55 Residential Burglaries, 68 Entering Auto cases and 59 Criminal Trespass or Criminal Damage to Property cases. As you can see, this is a fairly significant increase over previous months. Please keep in mind that school ended in May. It is my belief that a large reason for the increase in crime is directly related to summer vacation and bored teenagers.

By far, the largest crime problem in East Cobb continues to be reports of Entering Auto. Victims are contacting us and reporting that their vehicle has been "broken into", but the below incidents are examples of what is actually occurring. This is probably the most preventable of all crimes.

Here's the problem-

Entering Auto

410 beat

071208 1400 to 071408 0900 hrs- Wenlok Trail- 1996 Ford Explorer- wallet taken from unlocked vehicle. `

411 beat

071408 0615 to 071408 1000 hrs- Devon Wood Dr- victim reports that her GPS Navigation System had been stolen, for the second time, from her unlocked vehicle. Her niece's unlocked vehicle was also entered and her I Touch was taken. No serial numbers available.

413 beat

071308 1600 to 071408 0730 hrs- Churchill Way- victim reports that his loaded Beretta 950 handgun was stolen from his unlocked vehicle.

416 beat

071308 2300 to 071408 1012 hrs- Raintree Way- victim reports that she had her purse in one unlocked vehicle and her wallet in her other unlocked vehicle. Both vehicles were entered and both items were taken.

071308 2300 to 071408 0700 hrs- Princeton Mill Rd (Princeton Mill)- victim reports that someone entered her unlocked vehicle and took her Apple iPod.

071208 1700 to 071408 0830 hrs- Slater Mill Ct (Princeton Mill)- no sign of forced entry to the victim's vehicle. A suitcase was ransacked and her Seiko watch was taken.

071208 0900 to 2300 hrs- Bonnie Glen Dr (Bonnie Glen)- no sign of forced entry to the victim's vehicle. $20 cash, 2 AudioVox 4" televisions were taken.

071308 2000 to 071408 0700 hrs- Weddington Place (Weddington)- XM radio taken from an apparently unlocked vehicle.

In the below incidents, three of the four vehicles were locked but valuables were left in plain view.-

071108 1615 to 1715 hrs- 1055 E. Piedmont Rd (YMCA)- four incidents of vehicles being entered in the YMCA parking lot. 4 purses with usual contents, and GPS Navigation Systems left in plain view were taken.

As you can see there is no particular area of the precinct being targeted.

We are beginning to see reports of fuel being siphoned from vehicles at night. With the ever increasing price of fuel I suspect this will become a trend.

The problem of valuables being stolen from lockers at fitness center continues.

What you and your neighbors can do-

In order for Precinct Four to see a reduction in the occurrences of Entering Autos, citizens would need to remove everything of value from their vehicle and lock it.

Please keep your garage doors down even during the times that someone is home. It only takes a minute for someone to enter your garage and then your unlocked vehicle to take something of value.

You may want to consider purchasing a locking fuel cap for your car.

I recommend that you not take anything of value to a fitness center.

Below is an announcement of an arrest at the Hip Chic Store where investigators arrested the owner for Peeping Tom. Investigators have reason to believe that there are other victims in this case. Should you have any information about this situation please call the listed phone number.

Recent arrests in Precinct Four-

Peeping Tom/Unlawful Surveillance Arrest (06/11/08 @ 1600 hours in Zone 4) The Cobb County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigating a peeping tom and unlawful surveillance incident which occurred at 3822 Roswell Road in Marietta, Georgia.

According to investigators, the Uniform Division of Zone Four was dispatched to the Hip Chic Store in reference to a peeping tom. Upon arrival, the officers spoke to a female who advised she was partially clothed in the dressing room when a white male took a photograph of her from underneath the dressing room door.

On July 02, 2008, a warrant was issued for 42-year-old James Jackson IV, the owner of the Hip Chic Store. Mr. Jackson was charged with Unlawful Surveillance and Stalking. Mr. Jackson turned himself in to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and has since been released on bond. The investigation continues and additional charges may be pending.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact the Cobb County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit at (770) 499-3945.

Murder Investigation (07/05/08 @ 0428 hours in Zone 4) The Cobb County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigating a murder, which occurred at 2650 Bentley Road in Marietta, Georgia.

Preliminary information from investigators indicates that the Cobb County Emergency Communications Center received 9-1-1 calls from the Ivy Ridge Apartment complex in reference a person being shot. When uniform officers from Zone 4 arrived on the scene, they located the body of a male lying in the parking lot in front of Building-6 deceased from gunshot wounds.

Investigators have since determined that the victim, identified as 37 year old Xavier Mallet of Marietta, Georgia was a security guard for the Ivy Ridge complex. For reasons unknown, Mallet awoke a family who were asleep in their apartment by banging on their door. When the female resident answered the door, the 37 year old security guard forced his way into her apartment. Within moments, the female’s husband identified as 36 year old John Kevin Freeman, confronted the unarmed security guard. When Freeman’s wife flees the apartment, both he and the security guard follow her outside. After a second confrontation, Freeman is able to reenter his apartment and retrieve a firearm. After doing so, Freeman shot and killed the security guard as he was leaving the area.

Cobb County detectives have since charged 36 year old John Kevin Freeman with Murder and Aggravated Assault. He is currently being held without bond at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center.

05/06/08 1000 hours / 2560 Delk Road (Madison Hills Apartments) Victim's apartment was burglarized. Suspect was boyfriend of the victim's sister. He forced his way through the front door and stole all of his girlfriend's clothes. Ofc. Barnett viewed a surveillance tape showing the suspect drive in and then out of the complex. Suspect was later arrested in Atlanta on unrelated charges. A search warrant was executed on the car and the stolen items were recovered. Suspect was charged with burglary.

Be safe out there. Lt Chenoweth

Posted July 1, 2008

PENS Bulletin

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is a summary of trends that we are seeing in your area. Be sure to check your PENS Web site for reports and details.

Below are the facts pertaining to a recent Homicide and subsequent investigation in Precinct Four.

PUBLIC INFORMATION RECORD

Incident(s) Brief:

1) ***UPDATE*** on a Homicide Investigation (06/17/08 @ 2136 hours in Zone 4) The Cobb County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigating a homicide which occurred at 835 Powers Ferry Road in Marietta, Georgia.

According to investigators, the Uniform Division of Zone 4 was dispatched to the Powers Ferry Church of Christ in reference to a male who was found lying in the parking lot. When uniform officers arrived they discovered that 17 year old Joel Ray Andresen of Marietta, Georgia had been shot. The victim was transported by ambulance to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance with this crime. Anyone who may have been in the area of Powers Ferry Road and Fern Street last night at approximately 2130 hours is asked to call (770) 499-3945.

***UPDATE***

The Cobb County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is updating information regarding the homicide which occurred last night at 2136 hours.

As a result of a tip (from a person who watched the various news coverage overnight), Cobb County investigators along with detectives from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department developed information on the homicide suspect responsible for the death of 17 year old Joel Ray Andresen of Marietta, Georgia.

At approximately 1430 hours this afternoon, investigators were conducting surveillance on the suspect’s residence, when he was observed driving his black 2003 Acura on Baker Road in north Cobb County. As detectives were asking for assistance from the Uniform Division to stop the vehicle, the suspect pulled into the parking lot of a Texaco station off Wade Green Road. As detectives started to approach the car, the suspect along his female passenger fled southbound on I-75 in the Acura. While the pursuit headed southbound on I-75, to help protect the public from harm, police units from Marietta and Cobb blocked the various entrance ramps to the interstate. The suspect eventually exited onto westbound Windy Hill Road to southbound Cobb Parkway. As the suspect approached the entrance ramp from southbound Cobb Parkway to westbound I-285, he struck a police car. After striking the cruiser, the Acura continued southbound, eventually coming to rest on Cobb Parkway under the I-285 overpass.

After a brief confrontation with officers, the suspect identified as 28 year old Lester James Smith (Jr.) of Acworth, Georgia was taken into custody without further incident. He was not injured and currently resides at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center after being charged with Felony Murder, Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Armed Robbery and Attempting to Elude (Felony).

The female passenger was not injured in the crash and is an acquaintance of the suspect. She will not be charged in the case.

The Cobb County Police officer who was injured in the crash is identified as L.E. Simmons. He received injuries to his wrist (and will be sore) after the airbag on his cruiser was deployed.

Phishing Email-

We have been informed that the below is a phishing email and should be ignored and deleted-

Subject: Wachovia online activity

Dear Customer,

We regret to inform you that your Wachovia online banking account has been suspended.
Please understand that this drastic measure was taken in order to protect your online privacy.
Wachovia Bank tracks all online activity. This tracking system tells us, among others, if you are using your account from a different computer(s) than the one you registered on.
We recently noticed that your account has been accessed from several foreign IP addresses.

If you were traveling and you accessed your account from a foreign country we are sorry for the inconvenience, regardless, such suspicious action was treated as an attempt to obtain your personal information.
Please Sign In to your account as soon as possible and verify your identity in order to unlock your account
Follow this link to the login page: http://www.wachovia.com

Thank you for your understanding and patience in these matter.

End of phishing email.

July 4th Fireworks-

There currently is no ban from the Fire Marshall on July 4th fireworks and sparkling devices. Citizens are reminded that "fireworks" (basically anything that will explode) are illegal in Georgia except for licensed contractors to use during official Fireworks displays. Only sparkling devices are allowed for use by citizens. Here are some Fireworks Safety Tips for our Fire Department-

1) FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS from the FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration: Illegal fireworks are those that are not considered novelty items under Georgia law and are most frequently purchased outside of the state. FIREWORKS THAT EXPLODE OR THAT ARE PROJECTILE ARE ILLEGAL! The illegal use of fireworks could result in criminal charges. Be sure to follow these important safety tips when using novelty items:

Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Sparklers considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
Observe local laws.
Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.

Current crime trends-

I had cautioned everyone in a previous PENS Bulletin that with school being out we would likely see an increase in reported incidents of Entering Autos and vandalism to your community pools and common areas. That has proven to be exactly the case as there have been a number of reports of damage to clubhouses and pool areas, especially involving the destruction of pool furniture.

It also appears that the reported incidents of Entering Auto are going to be elevated again this month. Unlocked vehicles parked in driveways and open garages continue to be a problem. A number of vehicles are being entered at night while the vehicles are parked in driveways. Thieves we call "flippers" walk through our communities at night checking for unlocked vehicles by "flipping" the door handles. A lot of times, these "flippers" are local teenagers committing a crime of opportunity.

The beats suffering the highest number of reported incidents are 412 and 413 beats.

Here are some examples to illustrate the point-

412 beat

061308 2200 to 061408 0800 hrs-Baccurate Way- two unlocked vehicles in the driveway were entered. Change and a power inverter were taken. A third locked vehicle also parked in the driveway was not touched.

412 beat

061808 0000 to 062008 0900 hrs- Mountain Trace- garage door left open. An unlocked Kia inside the garage was entered and a small bag of change was taken. The keys to the vehicle were then taken and used to unlock the locked car in the driveway from which a Cannon camera and a women's wallet containing credit cards were taken.

415 beat

061208 0700 to 2100 hrs- Willow Point Terrace (Willow Point)- vehicle left unlocked in an open garage. CD's and case taken.

Another crime trend that I want to report to you is occurrences of beer or liquor being stolen from garage refrigerators. Suspects observed by witnesses would indicate that this mostly involves teenagers. What I would like to point out about this situation is what is probably considered to be a prank or minor theft by the teenagers is actually a very serious felony crime- Burglary. Anytime a person enters into the residence of another (which would include an open garage) for the purpose of committing a theft (no matter the value) it is a Burglary. What our teenagers need to understand is that should they get caught doing this and subsequently charged with Burglary, it could have a significant negative impact on their future ability to go to college, enter the military, their right to vote and their right to bear arms. They need to be educated that this is not a prank.

What you and your neighbors can do-

In order for Precinct Four to see a reduction in the occurrences of Entering Autos, citizens would need to remove everything of value from their vehicle and lock it.

Please keep your garage doors down even during the times that someone is home. It only takes a minute for someone to enter your garage and take something of value.

Please help us educate our youth about the future harm they could suffer by stealing from others. Sometimes these are not harmless pranks.

Recent arrests in Precinct Four-

411 beat

061508 2010 hrs- 2510 Canopy Lane (Tanglewood)- witness advised that they observed a fire at the community pool and saw a teenager run from the scene. The fire had been set approximately one foot from the side of the building and was extinguished by the witness who then gave chase of the teenager but lost him. On a previous similar incident from last week, partially burned notebooks contained the name of a teenager who lives in the community. Responding officers went to that residence and spoke with the teenager and his parents. The teenager admitted to setting both fires because he just liked to burn things. Teenager has been charged with Criminal Damage to Property- 2nd degree. The parents were referred to the Fire Department Juvenile Fire Starter program.

416 beat

061508 1433 to 1935 hrs- Barnsdale Dr- complainant arrived at her father's residence to celebrate Fathers Day. Her father was not home yet so she went upstairs to the restroom. She heard the dog barking and when she came downstairs she observed a young white male standing in the kitchen. The subject then ran out of the house toward the house next door. Investigation by responding officer P M Murray revealed the intruder to be the next door neighbor who when confronted stated that he was only returning a plate. Neighbor was arrested and charged with burglary.

052308 1430 hours / 4475 Roswell Road, Suite # 1430 (Lens Crafters) On the aforementioned date and time, an estimated $15,000 in merchandise (various designer eyeglass frames) was removed from the business of Lens Crafters by a female suspect accompanied by what appeared to be her two daughters. The suspect was confronted at the time by two employees. She then fled the incident location in a white SUV. The employees were able to obtain the tag number of the suspect's vehicle. A subsequent investigation by Detective Bruce Clere has led to the arrest of one adult female at this time and the recovery of a significant number of frames. The charges include; Theft by Taking; Shoplifting (F) and Simple Assault (M).

Posted June 20, 2008

PUBLIC INFORMATION RECORD

Incident(s) Brief:

***UPDATE***

The Cobb County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is updating information regarding the homicide which occurred last night at 2136 hours.

The female passenger was not injured in the crash and is an acquaintance of the suspect. She will not be charged in the case.

The Cobb County Police officer who was injured in the crash is identified as L.E. Simmons. He received injuries to his wrist (and will be sore) after the airbag on his cruiser was deployed.

Posted June 18, 2008

PUBLIC INFORMATION RECORD

Incident(s) Brief:

1) Homicide Investigation (06/17/08 @ 2136 hours in Zone 4) The Cobb County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigating a homicide which occurred at 835 Powers Ferry Road in Marietta, Georgia.

Posted June 9th, 2008

PENS Bulletin

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is a summary of trends that we are seeing in your area. Be sure to check your PENS Web site for reports and details.

Below are some road closure advisories that could impact your commutes-

Woodlawn Drive Pavement Replacement
Woodlawn Drive will be closed to thru traffic between Lower Roswell Road and Johnson Ferry Road beginning Monday, June 2nd, 2008 through Monday, August 11th, 2008. The actual point of closure is on Woodlawn Drive approximately 2200 feet north of Lower Roswell Road and approximately 1400 feet south of Johnson Ferry Road. Closure is necessary due to total pavement replacement.

Click here to view detour map.
Detour route from Woodlawn Drive @ Lower Roswell Road will be Lower Roswell Road east to left on Johnson Ferry Road to Woodlawn Drive. Detour from Woodlawn Drive @ Johnson Ferry Road will be Johnson Ferry Road south to right on Lower Roswell Road to Woodlawn Drive..

Post Oak Tritt Road Culvert Construction-

Post Oak Tritt Road will be closed to thru traffic between Johnson Ferry Road and McPherson Road beginning Saturday, May 24th, 2008 through Sunday, August 3rd, 2008. The actual points of closure on Post Oak Tritt Road are approximately 125 feet west of McPherson Road and approximately 2000 feet east of Johnson Ferry Road. Closure is necessary due to roadway grade changes and box culvert construction.

Click here to view detour map.
From Post Oak Tritt Road @ Johnson Ferry Road will be Johnson Ferry Road north to right on Shallowford Road to right on McPherson Road to Post Oak Tritt Road. Detour from Post Oak Tritt Road @ McPherson Road will be McPherson Road north to left on Shallowford Road to left on Johnson Ferry Road to Post Oak Tritt Road.
For more information call Cobb County DOT at 770.420.6659 or email DOT.

We have received the below phishing email warning from our Information Services Unit. Here it is-

Second Warning

Because you did not respond to our first warning security adviser we were obligated to change your account status.

We have to do this for the safety of your account and your personal informations.

New Account Status:

Account temporary inaccesible

So you can gain again full access to your online account you need to follow the steps on our secured website bellow:

http://www.second-war-ning-wachovia-alert.com/

End of phishing email. Anyone receiving this is phishing email encouraged to simply delete it.

4th of July celebrations-

I have received several inquiries concerning fireworks displays and a possible fire ban. I have talked with the Chief of Fire Prevention and have been advised that at this time SPARKLING devices and fireworks display devices are allowed. They will continue to monitor the weather conditions, if it becomes to dry they will consider issuing a ban on sparkling devices and firework displays. Obviously extreme caution should be used in handling these devices.

Please be aware that FIREWORKS are illegal in the State of Georgia. Only a licensed contractor can obtain a permit for a fireworks display.

Current crime trends-

Property Crime statistics for the month of May-

Business Burglary- 15

Residential Burglary- 40

Entering Auto- 37

Theft by Taking- 46

Criminal Trespass/Damage- 43

We had previously reported to you a trend of residential burglaries in 416 beat in the communities south of Lower Roswell Road and along Terrell Mill Road. I am happy to announce that there has been an arrest of two individuals involving those incidents. Since those arrests, there have been no additional reports of burglary in those areas.

We had also reported a series of business smash and grab burglaries along Roswell Road. Those incidents also appear to have stopped as we continue to investigate these incidents.

Again, since we notified the community of a sudden increase in Entering Autos, reports of those incidents slowed, bringing the numbers down to a more normal rate. Thank you for your diligence in helping us to combat this crime.

We had a series of Entering Auto cases in 411 beat on sometime during the night between Monday and Tuesday (May 12-May 13) Please see the below. Also please note the condition of the vehicles. Most were unlocked while the only locked vehicle was not entered. Anyone with any information is requested to call Precinct Four detectives at 770-499-4184. Thanks.

Entering Auto

411 beat

051308 0705 hrs- Wood Creek Dr- 2003 Honda Odyssey- vehicle unlocked. Garmin GPS unit and XM satellite radio taken.

051308 0705 hrs- Wood Creek Dr- 2 unlocked vehicles entered and sunglasses taken. A third locked vehicle in the driveway with a new computer in plain view was not touched.

051308 0705 hrs- Wood Creek Dr- 2006 Buick Rainier- vehicle unlocked. Interior ransacked but nothing taken.

051308 0755 hrs- Holliglen Dr- 2002 Nissan Maxima- vehicle unlocked. Carton of Camel cigarettes and CDs taken.

What you and your neighbors can do-

Well, school is out. As a lot of you are aware, this is a time of year when vandalism to our communities tends to rise due to bored teenagers. Please keep a watch on your community areas such as clubhouses and pools for such activity.

In addition, for the same reason, crimes of opportunity also tend to rise, such as Entering Autos of unlocked vehicles. Suspects will walk the neighborhoods at night looking for unlocked vehicles by pulling on the door handles. Please remember to remove electronics and other valuables from your cars and lock them.

Another example of man’s best friend possibly saving the day-

052008 0800 to 052108 0900 Hrs.-Jenny Mill Ct. Burglary attempt by forcing open the front window, breaking the latch. Victim’s German Sheppard possibly disrupted the Burglary as no entry was made and nothing was taken.

Recent arrests in Precinct Four-

416 beat

A series of residential burglaries have occurred in the southern portion of 416 beat, primarily along Terrell Mill Road and south of Lower Roswell Road. Through the combined efforts of Precinct Four Uniform Patrol, Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit and Precinct Four detectives a suspect was developed through the processing of latent fingerprints obtained from two separate locations in the area. As a result of comparing these prints through the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) a fingerprint match was obtained on two of these burglaries. This subject has been charged and apprehended with the possibility of additional charges forthcoming. In addition, a second suspect in these incidents has been identified and charges have been filed through Dekalb Police for the pawning of some of the items stolen in our burglaries.

Be safe out there. Lt Chenoweth

Posted May 12, 2008

PENS Bulletin

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is a summary of trends that we are seeing in your area. Be sure to check your PENS Web site for reports and details.

Road closure alert:
Post Oak Tritt Road will be closed to thru traffic between Johnson Ferry Road and McPherson Road beginning Saturday, May 24th, 2008 through Sunday, August 3rd, 2008.

The actual points of closure on Post Oak Tritt Road are approximately 125 feet west of McPherson Road and approximately 2000 feet east of Johnson Ferry Road.

Closure is necessary due to roadway grade changes and box culvert construction.

Detour Route: Detour route from Post Oak Tritt Road @ Johnson Ferry Road will be Johnson Ferry Road north to right on Shallowford Road to right on McPherson Road to Post Oak Tritt Road. Detour from Post Oak Tritt Road @ McPherson Road will be McPherson Road north to left on Shallowford Road to left on Johnson Ferry Road to Post Oak Tritt Road.

Here's a link to the DOT road report page for more info:
http://dot.cobbcountyga.gov/road_rept.htm

Current crime trends-

416 beat

There is a minor trend developing of residential burglary in our communities along Terrell Mill Rd and the surrounding area. We are actively working these cases with few leads. Residents are asked to be keenly aware of any suspicious persons in the neighborhood, especially during day time hours. 9-1-1 should be called immediately if a suspicious person or activity is noticed. Most of these incidents have occurred on Monday or Tuesday.

We have received a few reports where a witness observed a crime in progress or suspicious activity and for whatever reason did not call 9-1-1. The best course of action is to call 9-1-1 immediately if you observe suspicious activity or certainly a crime in process.

413 & 415 beats

A series of smash and grab business burglaries along Roswell Road. They all occurred on the same night (Wednesday-05/07) at approximately 3:00 in the morning.

411 beat

A series of smash and grab business burglaries on Shallowford Rd- Friday (0509) 5:00 am. No real suspect information available at this time.

Anyone with possible suspect information on the above business burglaries are requested to contact Precinct Four detectives- 770-499-4184.

043008 1800 Hrs.-1805 Hrs.- Roswell Rd. Shell Gas Station-Victims 2001 Mazda 626 Gold was stolen along with her purse and cell phone. The vehicle was left unlocked with the keys in the ignition.

Please don’t do that.

Reminders-

Please remove everything of value from your vehicles and lock them. Most common items to be stolen from vehicles are- purses, laptop computers, GPS Navigation Systems and iPODs.

Please do not leave your garage doors open.

We recommend that you not take anything of value to a fitness center. We have had thefts from even locked lockers.

It’s Spring and with the improving weather, here are a couple of additional reminders worth repeating-

Door to Door Solicitors will be out in full force. Although we commonly use the general term of “Solicitor” to define these persons, Cobb County specifically defines them in two distinct categories, Door to Door Salespersons or Peddlers. The most common complaint coming from the community seems to be against Door to Door Salespersons selling subscriptions to magazines to pay their way through college. This may or may not be the truth as it is believed this is a common marketing tactic used to play on ones sympathy. Whether or not you conduct business with salespersons or peddlers is up to you. I personally do not.

For further details on Door to Door Salespersons or Peddlers below is a link to the Cobb County Ordinance where you will find the definitions of, requirements for, and your rights when dealing with these individuals.

http://160.73.201.71/cobbpolice/ord/ch78.htm

Joggers-

Women are cautioned against jogging during hours of darkness or alone. If you have a dog, take it with you. They need exercise too and may keep a potential attacker at bay. It is also advisable to carry a means of communication.

Recent arrests in Precinct Four-

410 beat-

Burglary Arrests-

040508 0545 hours / Townley Place - Uniform Officers responded to a suspicious person / auto call parked in front of the aforementioned residence. Upon the responding officer's arrival, he observed a white male occupant sitting in the passenger seat of a white SUV (Ford Expedition). The occupant of the vehicle fled on foot after a brief encounter with the responding officer. A foot chase ensued, but the perpetrator was able to elude the officer's attempt to apprehend him.

The responding officer returned to the SUV, at which time he discovered the vehicle was stolen out of the City of Roswell. So too, he discovered a large quantity of property within the vehicle, as well as documents which would later lead to the arrest of the perpetrator who fled on foot.

A subsequent follow-up investigation by Det. Bruce Clere revealed the property contained within the stolen SUV was removed during several incidents of burglary and entering auto from various residences in and around the Townley Place area on the morning of 04/05/08.

So too, a theft by taking motor vehicle incident was also among the crimes perpetrated by the suspect on the morning of 04/05/08.

The evidence collected at the scene by the responding officer, coupled with evidence generated throughout the course of the associated follow up investigation, has led to the arrest of one individual thus far. The charges include party to a crime; burglary (2 counts), party to a crime; entering auto (3 counts), theft by receiving stolen property / motor vehicle (1 count), party to a crime; theft by taking motor vehicle (1 count), and theft by receiving (1 count).

042208 0330 hrs- 2922 Canton Rd (Firestone)- while on routine patrol, Sgt Nolin of Precinct One observed a suspicious pickup truck driving slowing around the Firestone Store to the rear of the building. Sgt Nolin continued to watch to see if the truck reappeared. After waiting several minutes Sgt Nolin pulled to the rear of the business where he observed the pickup truck parked close to the building and then observed that a hole had been made through the fence and a white male standing inside the fenced area of the business. The fenced area was used to store tires. The subject was confronted and Sgt Nolin discovered that he had in is possession a small flashlight and a knife. After the subject could not adequately explain his presence, he was arrested and charged with Criminal Trespass, Loitering and Prowling and Possession of Tools for the Commission of a Crime.

414 beat-

Burglary Arrest

041908 0000hrs to 042108 at 1412 hrs.- Officers M.B.Devane and J. Waln responded to a Burglary at East Lake Terrace at East Lake Apartments. The officers investigation led them to an apartment when the suspect was seen leaving the area in a white Bonneville. The Officers succeeded in heading off the suspect, made a traffic stop and arrest without incident. The suspect admitted he had utilized and stolen utilities from the apartment.

417 beat

050408 1300 to 1830 hrs-River Heights Crossing (The Willows)- victim arrived home to find his apartment ransacked. There was no forced entry to the house. Multiple items are missing, including medication, DVDs, men’s shoes, towels, artificial Christmas tree, HP printer and a scrub brush. Reporting officer J J Bishop learned that a former girlfriend has not returned a key to the apartment. He made contact with the former girlfriend who met him at the precinct. She admitted to entering the apartment and taking items that she had previously bought for the victim because she was upset that he would not return her phone calls. Former girlfriend was arrested and charged with Burglary.

Posted April 22, 2008

PENS Bulletin

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is a summary of trends that we are seeing in your area. Be sure to check your PENS Web site for reports and details.

New PENS members wishing to review previous PENS bulletins are encouraged to visit our website where they can be reviewed on the Home Page PENS Dispatch.

Please encourage the members of your communities to sign up for the PENS Bulletins and Alerts by visiting our website at www.p4.police.cobbcountyga.gov where they will find a link to go sign up for these bulletins.

Changes within the Precinct Four Criminal Investigations Unit-

Several of you have had the opportunity to meet Sergeant Davidson of the Precinct Four Criminal Investigations Unit. I am happy to announce that she has received a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, but unfortunately for us, she has been reassigned to Precinct Two in Austell as the Evening Shift Commander for Uniform Patrol. We wish her the best in her new assignment. Taking her place in our unit is Sergeant Tim Nelson. Sergeant Nelson comes to us from just across the hall where he served as a Precinct Four Dayshift Uniform Patrol Sergeant for the past 3 years. Welcome aboard Sergeant Nelson. East Cobb remains in good hands.

Traffic Advisory-

Just a heads up for those of you traveling Johnson Ferry Road. This could possibly impact your rush hour commutes---

For information purposes: Beginning 041508, Johnson Ferry Road from Lower Roswell Road to the river will begin a re-surfacing project for the next two (2) weeks. Lane closures will be plentiful. They will be working at night, 1900-0500 hours, weather permitting.

Below is a really good link to Cobb DOT for Road Project Reports, just for future reference.

http://dot.cobbcountyga.gov/road_rept.htm#update

It’s Spring and with the improving weather, here are a couple of reminders-

Joggers-

Current crime trends-

Ladies and Gentlemen, if there is only one piece of information that you take away from this bulletin please let it be this one…. Our Entering Auto cases are extremely elevated so far this month. The primary purpose for the increase is the high demand for GPS Navigation Units and laptop computers. Most of these items are being taken from unlocked vehicles. Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors about this problem and to remove these items from their vehicles before retiring for the evening. I also suggest that they lock their cars. For example-

412 beat

041108 1500 to 041208 1500hrs- Bonaire Terrace- Garmin GPS Unit taken from unlocked vehicle.

413 beat

041308 2015 to 041408 1800 hrs- Bunker Hill Circle (Bunker Hill)- two unlocked vehicles. Magellan GPS Unit, Toshiba Laptop computer, phone charger all taken.

041308 1700 to 041408 1315 hrs- Wicksley Way (Wicks Lake)- 2004 Honda Odyssey- vehicle unlocked. In dash GPS Unit and portable DVD player taken.

We usually mention problems with Entering Autos and encourage everyone to not leave anything of value inside their vehicle and to lock them. I know it has made the news in recent days about the trend of GPS Navigation Units being stolen from vehicles. Atlanta police is reporting over 100 a day of these types of incidents. If you have a portable GPS Navigation System in your vehicle we encourage you to remove it from the dash or windshield before exiting your car. In speaking with my counterparts at the other precincts it appears that thieves are looking for the GPS unit or indicators that there may be one hidden in the car. If you use a GPS system that attaches to the windshield by a suction cup, wipe off the circular mark left by the suction cup. Thieves are cruising commercial parking lots looking for the GPS unit or the suction cup mark left on the windshield and then will force entry into the vehicle. We are also receiving a high number of reports of electronic items being stolen from unlocked cars in driveways or open garages.

GPS Navigation Units are very attractive to thieves because they are in high demand, very mobile and don’t require any kind of password or ID to operate. Our detectives are actively working several of these cases and I hope to be able to report some significant arrests soon.

We continue to have problems with thefts at fitness centers-

If you frequent fitness centers, take measures to safeguard your property. Apparently placing them in a locked locker isn’t good enough. I’d recommend leaving all valuables at home.

Help us help you-

Before you become the victim of a theft, and if you are interested in helping us solve your case, please take the time to record the serial numbers to all of your electronics (especially GPS systems, laptop computers and iPODs) and the serial numbers of power tools and firearms. Document and photograph your jewelry. Not only can this information help us to possibly recover your property, it could also help us to remove a criminal from our streets.

Be aware of any strange or suspicious persons or activity in your neighborhood and call 9-1-1 immediately so we can check it out. You may stop a crime before it occurs.

Posted April 17, 2008

PENS Bulletin

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is a summary of trends that we are seeing in your area. Be sure to check your PENS Web site for reports and details.

New PENS members wishing to review previous PENS bulletins are encouraged to visit our website where they can be reviewed on the Home Page PENS Dispatch.

Apparently uniform patrol receives a number of calls on suspicious persons who turn out to be Meter Readers. Below is some information from Sgt Nelson on this subject hoping to clarify some concerns.

We receive calls almost daily on suspicious persons who turn out to be Bermex Meter Readers contracted out by Cobb EMC and other utilities to read their meters. Callers may not know that they carry a hand-held computer, which has been mistaken for a weapon and other suspicious items. I am hoping that knowledge of what they wear and what their job is may dispel many unnecessary calls to 911. These employees of Bermex should be carrying out their jobs and if seen doing something suspicious, such as looking into house windows or parked vehicles, then calling Cobb Police to investigate would be a good idea. Otherwise, they have a right to access yards to gain access as necessary to the utility meters. For further information, please visit the Cobb EMC website.

Current crime trends-

We usually mention problems with Entering Autos and encourage everyone to not leave anything of value inside their vehicle and to lock them. I know it has made the news in recent days about the trend of GPS Navigation Units being stolen from vehicles. If you have a portable GPS system in your vehicle we encourage you to remove it from the dash or windshield before exiting your car. In speaking with my counterparts at the other precincts it appears that thieves are looking for the GPS unit or indicators that there may be one hidden in the car. If you use a GPS system that attaches to the windshield by a suction cup, wipe off the circular mark left by the suction cup. Thieves are cruising commercial parking lots looking for the GPS unit or the suction cup mark left on the windshield and then will force entry into the vehicle. For example-

032708 0230 to 0237 hrs- Creek Dr (Sawmill)- 2005 Honda Civic- both driver and passenger windows broken out of the vehicle. Witness observed two thin white males carrying flashlights shatter the windows and enter the vehicle. They drove away in a two tone pick up truck. Victim advises that the only item missing is a TomTom GPS system that had been placed in the glove box.. The victim advised that she attaches the system to the windshield with a suction cup and felt the thieves must have seen the impression left on the windshield.

032808 1830 to 032908 1000 hrs- Lindsay Way- 2002 Chevy Silverado- window broken out. Calloway golf clubs and UGA bag, Garmin GPS unit, HP Pavillion laptop and a Samsonite bag all taken.

GPS Navigation Units are very attractive to thieves because they are in high demand, very mobile and don’t require any kind of password or ID to operate.

We continue to have problems with thefts at fitness centers-

413 beat

032008 1600 to 1624 hrs- 1055 E Piedmont Rd (YMCA)- victim’s wallet was stolen from his locked locker. He hung the key under his towel while he was showering. Key was stolen to enter the locker.

415 beat

032008 1830 to 1915 hrs- 4400 Roswell Rd (L A Fitness)- watch stolen from locker.

031908 1900 to 032109 0800 hrs- 4400 Roswell Rd (L A Fitness)- wallet stolen from locked locker.

412 beat

032508 1900 to 2145 hrs- 3010 Johnson Ferry Rd (YMCA)- wallet taken from a gym bag left in the locker room while victim showered.

If you frequent fitness centers, take measures to safeguard your property. Apparently placing them in a locked locker isn’t good enough. I’d recommend leaving all valuables at home.

Questions and Answers-

Q-

I saw a piece on the news last night regarding Tasers for women's protection inside their homes.

I looked at a couple taser websites and they said to "check local laws to see if there are restrictions on this product".

Does Cobb County have any restrictions on this product?

A-

We are not aware of any specific laws regarding the new civilian Taser products. They are a new item that is being sold to Georgia customers. They should be classified as a less lethal weapon similar to Pepper Spray products. Taser does make a civilian model. It would be like any other "stun gun" available. As with any other weapon, before you carry it, you should seek out training for the equipment to ensure safe use.

Recent arrests in Precinct Four-

Please notice below that once again, one of our community video surveillance systems was of tremendous assistance in helping us solve multiple incidents that occurred in their community. Something for your Homeowner Associations or communities to consider.

08/27/07 - 01/21/08- 1811 Bishops Green Drive (Bishops Green Community Clubhouse / Pool) - During the time frame beginning on 08/27/07 and ending on 01/21/08, eleven separate property crimes occurred at the Bishops Green Community Clubhouse and Pool. These incidents included the offenses of Burglary, Criminal Trespass, and Theft by Taking. Thanks to foresight of the Home Owners Association members, the association's newly purchased video surveillance system captured all of the incidents on tape. As a result, through the efforts of the Bishops Green HOA and law enforcement, the Cobb County Police Department was able to identify those individuals responsible for committing the offenses. Four total individuals- 2 juveniles and 2 adults (both 17) - have been arrested and charged with a variety of offenses; to include Burglary, Criminal Trespass, and Theft by Taking.

02/17/08 2200 hours / Piedmont Rd. The victim was out of town on this date. 3 black males burglarized the residence stealing jewelry, electronics and a handgun. The victim has an extensive video surveillance system that filmed the incident. Local Sprayberry High School students and the Sprayberry High School Campus Police Officer, were able to identify one of the suspects on the video. Det. Quinlan obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect and he was arrested. The suspect claims he doesn't know the other suspects well enough to identify them and doesn't know the location of any of the stolen items. They are still unidentified.

Posted March 19, 2008

PENS Bulletin

Ladies and Gentlemen, here is a summary of trends that we are seeing in your area. Be sure to check your PENS Web site for reports and details.

New PENS members wishing to review previous PENS bulletins are encouraged to visit our website where they can be reviewed on the Home Page PENS Dispatch.

It’s that time of year when we can expect to see an increase in Door to Door Solicitations. Everyone is reminded of the below-

Door to Door Solicitations

All solicitors in Cobb County, with only two exceptions, must be registered with the Cobb County Business License Office. A solicitor is defined as a person selling door to door any product for monetary exchange. Each solicitor must have with them at all times a card which identifies who they are and the Company with who they are affiliated (includes telephone numbers). They must have in their possession a sufficient number of cards containing this information to leave one with each resident if it is requested.

I'm sure you noticed the "with only two exceptions" portion of the first sentence above. There are two groups of solicitors that are not regulated and our actions are restricted to a small degree. These groups are identified as "Religious" and "Political/Government" solicitors who routinely sell a product or ask for donations and/or contributions as part of a fund raising effort. These groups we cannot do anything about while all others must adhere to the regulations as set by the law and the Cobb County PD permits office.

Signs: While it is good that you have installed a "No Solicitation" sign at your entryway, the law clearly states that any resident who does not wish to receive solicitations must exhibit, in plain sight at their front door, a sign clearly stating "No Solicitation". This means that the entryway sign is unenforceable by law as the signs must be affixed and visible at the individual residence. Any solicitor who approaches a residence exhibiting a "No Solicitation" sign must turn away and not solicit at that individual residence else they will be in violation of law. This does not apply to those groups identified in the exceptions. Unfortunately, the law does not allow for an Association to make a blanket prohibition for an entire subdivision (i.e. Entryway signage).

Residents routinely are not sure who is soliciting in their neighborhood. Understanding this, we will gladly respond to any call from our Cobb County citizens to check these individuals out and ensure adherence to the applicable laws. While we would prefer this type of call come in on the Cobb County Communication Center's Non Emergency line at (770)499-3911, if a person does not have this telephone number handy the use of 9-1-1 is certainly acceptable.

Lastly, your entryway signage is a good thing so leave it up. Past history indicates that these signs may reduce the number of solicitors you get inside the subdivision, however, please understand that it is totally unenforceable by our Department.

Rumor control-

There is a scam alert circulating amongst the various email chains concerning phone calls to an 809 Area Code and the enormous charges associated with those calls. Below is the information from the AT & T website concerning this scam warning.

Scam alert information from AT & T-

809 Area Code Scam

Periodically, e-mails warning of a scam involving calls from the 809 area code circulate. The e-mails contend that there has been fraud associated with unscrupulous pay-per-call operators in that area code. However, the message contains some misinformation, especially the highly exaggerated cost of a phone call to the 809 area code, which is a legitimate area code for the Dominican Republic. Fortunately, this scam is less prevalent in recent years as a result of work done by AT&T to eliminate access to fraudulent pay-per-call operators.

This long distance phone scam causes consumers to inadvertently incur high charges on their phone bills. Consumers usually receive a message telling them to call a phone number with an 809, 284 or 876 area code in order to collect a prize, find out information about a sick relative, etc. The caller assumes the number is a typical three-digit U.S. area code; however, the caller is actually connected to a phone number outside the United States, often in Canada or the Caribbean, and charged international call rates. Unfortunately, consumers don't find out that they have been charged higher international call rates until they receive their bill.

AT&T offers the following information and tips:

Return calls to familiar numbers only. As a general rule, return calls from numbers that contain familiar or recognizable area codes. You may call your directory assistance or long distance operator to check the area code location.

Carefully read your telephone bill. Make sure that you only receive charges from your provider of choice. Ensure you thoroughly understand charges listed on your phone bill, have chosen to do business with all of the listed providers billing for those charges and have authorized additional fees invoiced. If your local service provider has changed, you will receive a final bill from the former provider and a notice of service disconnection.

If you believe that you have been scammed:

Contact the carrier with whom the charge originated, whose name and toll-free telephone number should be printed on the same bill page as the charge in question. Often, the problem can be resolved with a single phone call.

If the carrier with whom the charge originated does not agree to resolve the problem, contact AT&T. AT&T will work with you and the carrier to help remove fraudulent charges from the phone bill.

You may file a complaint online with the Federal Communications Commission about this and/or related phone scams.

Current crime trends-

Entering Autos-

Vehicles are still being left unlocked or locked but with items in plain view. The best practice to avoid having valuables stolen from your vehicle is to remove all items of value, especially from view, and to lock the vehicle. GPS navigation systems, laptop computers and satellite radios left in plain view are frequent targets.

Open garage doors-

A situation that could influence the number of residential burglaries occurring is open garage doors. There are a number of incidents that could possibly be avoided if homeowners would keep their garage doors down at all times. When a suspect enters the garage to gain access to an unlocked vehicle parked in the garage, this is now a Burglary rather an Entering Auto case since the suspect entered the residence to commit a theft from the vehicle. Do not leave your property vulnerable to theft or burglary through an open garage door.

Wallets in shopping carts

031708 1315 to 1345 hrs- 2100 Roswell Rd (Kroger)- victim placed her purse in the child seat of the shopping cart and when she went to check out, discovered her wallet missing. Victim advised that she remembers being approached by two black males, one of whom began asking her questions about a package of bratwurst he was holding. She feels this was a distraction so the other subject could take her wallet. Nothing is observed on surveillance video.

Ladies should take measures to protect their purses and wallets while shopping. You all know that the most common place for a theft to occur is from the child seat of a shopping cart, otherwise known in law enforcement as “The Steal Me Spot”. If you do not leave your purse exposed to theft, the above scenario most likely would never happen. This is a very common distraction tactic by thieves.

Theft of mail-

There are still several reports of mail being stolen from mailboxes. The primary target of this crime is Identity Theft.

Auto Thefts-

East Cobb has seen an increase in the number of Auto Thefts. This statistic would include trailers. Landscape trailers are often a target of theft.

Traffic Enforcement-