Car theft problems (Druid Hills: crime, felony, homes)

[arjay57]

Do gas stations and convenience store owners need to do more to prevent car thefts?

Because of their owners — actress Queen Latifah and retired superior court judge Marvin Arrington Sr. — the theft of two vehicles from south Fulton County gas stations this month has grabbed headlines.
The two high-profile thefts are indicative of a larger trend.

Lower profile thefts continue to happen from streets, homes and parking lots. But recently more attention has been focused on the thefts from businesses.

People, often teens, are taking advantage of unlocked cars at gas stations and elsewhere to take everything from purses to the vehicles themselves.

With prodding from residents, local politicians are proposing restrictions on businesses that they hope will help solve the problem.

More.....Theft of Queen Latifah’s car helps draw focus to some Fulton crime

[0nyxStation]

Not really much they can do.

[cqholt]

Lock your cars and homes. Don't leave anything of value in your car. And please don't leave your vehicle running at a gas station.
Don't allow yourself to become a victim of a crime, take steps to protect yourself

[PKCorey]

I've never understood since 2008 or so when the other cities were formed, why is the Fulton County Police not able to handle their portion of the county?

First, it was the numerous burglaries and home invasions. Now, it's the carjacking and robberies.

It seems like basic police work, if you are having the same issues at the same locations, you have officers stationed nearby to monitor the situation (marked and unmarked) to get a handle on the situation.

Why hasn't a taskforce been formed with the Fulton County Police, Fulton County Sheriff and Georgia State Patrol?

This is pure incompetence.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by PKCorey

I've never understood since 2008 or so when the other cities were formed, why is the Fulton County Police not able to handle their portion of the county?

First, it was the numerous burglaries and home invasions. Now, it's the carjacking and robberies.

It seems like basic police work, if you are having the same issues at the same locations, you have officers stationed nearby to monitor the situation (marked and unmarked) to get a handle on the situation.

Why hasn't a taskforce been formed with the Fulton County Police, Fulton County Sheriff and Georgia State Patrol?

This is pure incompetence.

As those new cities formed, they hired officers away from Fulton County PD. Also, new recruits for PDs is low.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by 0nyxStation

Not really much they can do.

What about more cameras and security guards? Seems like that would help deter some of this.

Customers obviously need to be more careful about locking their vehicles and not leaving the keys in the car.

I'm amazed at how many car thefts are the result of people walking off and leaving the keys in in the ignition. How dumb is that?

[Forhall]

One way to help prevent it is to not get gas in South Fulton or any of the sketchy neighborhoods. I feel fine getting gas in Druid Hills or Virginia Highland. Use common sense and refill during the daytime in safe areas.

[ATLTJL]

“They take vehicles and joyride or commit other crimes,” she said. “It’s just an opportunity, a crime of opportunity.”

To me, this is the problem.

Obviously, I can't hear her tone, but she seems to be saying, "Stop being such babies, it's just a little grand theft auto being committed by teens. What do you want us to do about it?"

And maybe she has a bit of a point. I'd like to know what happens to these kids when they are caught. Are they given a slap on the wrists? GTA is still a felony, isn't it? If these kids knew they'd serve a couple of years in juvenile hall for something like this, it might calm down. What do they get today? Probation? I don't know if the criminal justice revolving door applies here, but if it does, that would be the most logical place to start.

[0nyxStation]

Originally Posted by arjay57

What about more cameras and security guards? Seems like that would help deter some of this.

Customers obviously need to be more careful about locking their vehicles and not leaving the keys in the car.

I'm amazed at how many car thefts are the result of people walking off and leaving the keys in in the ignition. How dumb is that?

Its not really dumb, more a lack of street smarts and personal comfort. It amazes me the amount of people that are aware they are not in "Kansas" anymore. Ive seen many people leave values and keys to their car running. These people are not criminals and dont know any personally, so they move with that frame of mine. Unfortunately for me. I know criminals. So I move like everyone around me is one. Its just a mind state. One would have to become a victim to change.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by 0nyxStation

Its not really dumb, more a lack of street smarts and personal comfort. It amazes me the amount of people that are aware they are not in "Kansas" anymore. Ive seen many people leave values and keys to their car running. These people are not criminals and dont know any personally, so they move with that frame of mine. Unfortunately for me. I know criminals. So I move like everyone around me is one. Its just a mind state. One would have to become a victim to change.

It's pretty stinking dumb.

I know two people who left their cars running while they went into a convenience store. When they came out said cars were gone.

While I'm a great believer in economy of movement, how hard is it to turn your car off?