Comments on: Camille Chases Off Thieves

By: CSD Mom

CSD Mom — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:39:16 +0000

Agnes Scott police sent around an email on Friday (12/12) about two vehicles stolen from campus. Today they sent an update:

Both vehicles in the aforementioned email have been recovered. In recent weeks the metro area has seen a sharp increase in property crimes. This is somewhat predictable around the holiday season. Of the vehicles stolen recently, many have been Dodge or Chrysler products that do not have any type of anti-theft system. The two vehicles stolen from campus were a Dodge Stratus and Chrysler Breeze. We also know of other off-campus incidents where similar make and model vehicles were stolen or an attempt was made towards their theft. These particular makes are easier to steal and are often taken for their catalytic converters or for simple joyriding.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:51:01 +0000

Charlie, I have been on the downtown streets the last three Terrific Thursday evenings until after the stores were closed. The fact that I have seen many families, couples and groups there tells me that folks aren’t scared to come downtown. The stores were crowded.

I’m puzzled by your “yet another robbery” statement. Such incidents are rare in Decatur, which may be why we’re focused so much on the ones that do occur. Compare the crime rate in Decatur for any category and you’ll see that it’s about the lowest around.

The Decatur police are among the most professional and dedicated around. The criminals do try to stay away because of things like quick response time. Perhaps you’d like to try DeKalb County sometime and see what kind of response you get…

By: charlie

charlie — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 02:04:28 +0000

Here we are again–discussing yet another robbery at a time when family and people are out supporting the down town. I am sorry but I am starting to wonder why the suspects are not getting caught and would there be incidences like this if people were “scared” of Decatur police–if we had such great police then these things probably would not occur so often…
Criminals would know not to touch Decatur–the cops will get you…
???

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 20:00:16 +0000

Carl, I know what they have said, but I still don’t trust that, even in Decatur, especially on the edges, you’ll get a cell tower that gives you Decatur 911 first. I know they prioritize and answer 911 before the other number, but I’ll never had any delay at all when calling the non-emergency number.

By: Camille

Camille — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:59:46 +0000

I just wanted to respond to some of the other comments posted and to clarify that I in NO WAY was trying to be a hero. I don’t recommend anyone else doing what I did. I, however, do think that the more WE as a community let these perpetrators know that we’re not going to allow these things to happen, we put a very valuable message out there. The cashbox found in the bathroom came out of MY safe and that was a complete violation to me. The confrontation I had with the men were in the presence of about 10 people, so I felt more secure about having it. Plus, I was really pissed off!!! I just want them to think twice about coming to Decatur to steal. BTW, the pepper spray holders sound like a good idea…….:)

By: Carl

Carl — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:39:56 +0000

Steve, they fixed the problem last year with some Decatur 911 calls going to DeKalb. DPD recommends using the non-emergency number for just that purpose and encourages serious calls to go via 911 as they are prioritized (and have the potential to deliver location information). If anyone feels strongly about making a completely anonymous call, s/he can do so by blocking caller ID and dialing the non-emergency number.

By: Andisheh Nouraee

Andisheh Nouraee — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:58:30 +0000

The Decatur Police web site has a helpful page on crime prevention, as well as how best to react if you’re a victim of a crime.

http://decaturga.com/cgs_citysvcs_pspolice_crimeprevention.aspx

Here’s the bit on robbery:

Robbery Prevention

Cooperate with the robber – do exactly as you are told, do not argue, do not move too quickly or reach for anything.

Keep it short and smooth – the longer the robbery takes, the more nervous the robber is. The average robbery takes less than two minutes.

Don’t resist – don’t fight, use weapons or chase the robbers.

Be observant – observe the person(s) involved for the purpose of describing clothing and physical features. Observe the means of escape, direction of travel and description of vehicle.

Call Police (911) after the robbery – stay on the phone until police tell you to hang up; record the suspect(s) description on a piece of paper.

Protect the crime scene – don’t touch anything in case the suspect left fingerprints or other physical evidence crucial to the investigation.

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:43:03 +0000

I don’t think there is a perception that downtown Decatur is a easy target. On the contrary, I believe the seasoned criminal element know the reputation of Decatur for community involvement and quick police response. Less experienced criminals may think that is an easy target, but actions such as the ones described and a greater awareness by merchants and the community will cause them to take their (criminal) business elsewhere.

As for patterns, if you see anything that looks suspicious, call. Even if it turns out to be nothing this time, next time it might.

Hint: on a cell phone, use the Decatur Police non-emergency number 404-373-6551. That avoids an issue of a 911 cell phone signal going to the wrong agency and having to be transferred. That number is answered by the same people who answer Decatur 911. I have it programmed into one of my cell phone hotkeys.