Police Update - Entering Autos in East Cobb

During the month of April, 30 entering autos were reported to police in Precinct 4, and almost every incident of entering auto was perpetrated against an unlocked vehicle. As the temperatures increase, so will the nighttime activity. 18 of those entering autos occurred within a span of seven days. The neighborhoods of Bentley Ridge, Wellcrest, Vermilion and Greyson Knoll were victimized by suspect(s) “flipping handles”. These offenders will walk the neighborhood streets at night checking door handles. If they find an unlocked car, it becomes a crime of opportunity and they will search your car for anything they choose to take. We have also seen numerous incidents of homeowners parking their unlocked cars in the garage and leaving the garage door open. Again, these cars are easily victimized. The crime of entering auto leaves very little investigative value for our detectives to pursue. Please remember to always lock your doors at night, including your vehicles. Also, be sure to close your garage doors before going to bed. Your garage may provide an easier entry into your house. If you take the necessary precautions beforehand, you are much less likely to become a victim of this criminal element.

Always remember, “If you see something, say something.” Do not hesitate to call 911 if you see something suspicious in your neighborhood.

Lieutenant Brian Kitchens

Cobb County Police Department

Criminal Investigations Unit - Pct. 4