Comments on: Decatur Total Crime Up From 2007, But Violent Crime Down

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:30:40 +0000

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.

By: CSD Mom

CSD Mom — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:54:31 +0000

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.

By: Left Wing

Left Wing — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:14:23 +0000

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

By: Harpua

Harpua — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:05:12 +0000

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.

By: Andisheh Nouraee

Andisheh Nouraee — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:09:09 +0000

Thank you, Steve.

And thank you H.A. for your kind words.

By: Hey Andisheh

Hey Andisheh — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:42:52 +0000

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!

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 02:31:31 +0000

Accepted. I know from all your past work that you are a professional and I appreciate it.

By: Andisheh Nouraee

Andisheh Nouraee — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:37:16 +0000

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.