Decatur Total Crime Up From 2007, But Violent Crime Down
Decatur Metro | January 15, 2009The Annual Comparative Crime Analysis report for 2008-2007 just came out and it shows that the total number of crimes is up 20% (1,105 vs. 918), but violent crime (murder [1 vs. 2], rape [2 vs. 3], robbery [25 vs. 31], and assault [26 vs. 42]) was actually down.
However, burglary was the big gainer, up 62% (202 vs. 125), while theft grew 32% (443 vs. 335). Auto entrys also increased substantially, up 12% (304 vs. 271), while battery dropped slightly (100 vs. 105).
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Another way to put it is that crimes against persons were down, while crimes against property were up. As to the particulars, there are still substantial numbers of burglaries and entering autos where doors, windows, etc. are left unlocked (!) and/or valuables are left in plain sight in autos. Criminals will take the easiest opportunity they can find; don’t make it easier for them.
Without looking at each individual incident report, there’s no way to determine how many of these crimes were facilitated by unlocked doors or windows.
That said, it seems wrong to suggest burglary is way up because people are leaving their home windows and doors unlocked 60% more often in 2008 than in 2007. Burglary is up because more people are breaking into more homes more often.
Andisheh, I get Juanchella’s monthly reports and I assume you do also. My comments were based on what I see on those reports. From my rough recollection, at least a third of burglaries and probably half of entering autos were due to unlocked windows/doors. I don’t suggest that more people are leaving their doors unlocked. I only suggest that criminals will take an easy target any time, so those who value their possessions should take basic precautions, and apparently many don’t in good times or bad.
Steve, you’re absoulutely correct. I re-read your comment and apologize for what I wrote above. I was multitasking and did bit read your comment carefully.
I’m sorry.
Accepted. I know from all your past work that you are a professional and I appreciate it.
Hey Andi, when some big national media outlet scoops you up, and they will, don’t forget the CofD. Sing our praises when they make you move to NY or LA. And you really should have a video blog…preferably highlighting Decatur, but we’ll let you do stories on other parts of the ATL…as long as they are close to Decatur!
Thank you, Steve.
And thank you H.A. for your kind words.
Well, especially if they don’t have a car alarm system, many people intentionally leave their car doors unlocked so that criminals won’t break a window trying to get in. Replacing a car window is usually hundreds of dollars more expensive than replacing random CDs or loose change.
There is really no excuse for leaving valuables (i.e GPS navigation systems, purses, laptops, shopping bags, etc.) in the car in plain sight. To me, that is really making it easy for them. You should always take these item inside overnight. If you have no choice but to leave them in your car (i.e. shopping trips during the day), then you should at least lock these items out of sight in your glove box or trunk.
I can’t think of any reason why someone would leave their house door or window unlocked, even while they are home.
Also, if you have a GPS, make sure you take down the mount that goes on the windshield that holds the unit.
If you leave that up, criminals might think you have a GPS in the car…which you probably do
I learned this lesson many years ago when I was dropping my toddler at PMO at North Decatur UMC. In the 5 minutes it took for me to park at the curb and run my daughter in, my window was smashed and my purse stolen right off the front seat. A) I didn’t need to bring it in, and B) I was only going to be in there for 5 minutes. Didn’t matter…I guess people move fast when they’re desperate. I never leave anything out in sight now. Not even bags of any kind, because they can look like they have something fun in them.
Good advice, LW and Mom, to which I would add:
* The suction cup mark on your windshield is also a giveaway for a GPS.
* If you put things in the trunk, try to do it somewhere else before you leave the car. Thieves will also watch for people placing things in the trunk and simply pop the trunk when they leave.