Police Increase Patrols in Cascade, Offer Holiday Safety Tips

Atlanta Police are gearing up to ensure that the Cascade area is safe during the holidays.

Commander Rodney Bryant said the department is increasing patrols in commercial districts and cracking down on traffic infractions by drivers. But, he added, residents should remember safety rules and avoid situations that might put them at risk of becoming crime victims.

"What we suggest is residents be very vigilant," Bryant said Monday, "for themselves and their neighbors."

Bryant, along with the city's other zone commanders, is increasing the use of foot patrols, vehicle patrols, undercover officers, traffic enforcement and special checkpoints where police stop cars and check IDs.

"Criminal activity, unfortunately, tends to pick up during the holidays," Atlanta Police Chief George Turner said in an official statement released last week, "but so will Atlanta police activity."

The Atlanta Police Department is using funds from a federal Justice Administration Grant to ensure the department has plenty of personnel and resources available throughout the holidays, according to police.

Bryant said one way residents can be safer is by watching their surroundings while shopping, staying in well-lit areas of parking lots and placing packages in the trunk of their vehicle, rather than a back seat. In addition, Bryant said to avoid interactions with people offering holiday "deals" on the street.

"It's not wise to try and buy a television in the parking lot," Bryant said, "but, believe it or not, people tend to do that during the holidays."

Bryant said his officers will target major commercial areas from now until New Year's Day, especially these districts:

• Greenbriar Mall
• West End Mall
• Campbellton Plaza
• Camp Creek Marketplace (within City of Atlanta boundaries)
• Greenbriar Mall
• Metropolitan Parkway (Cleveland Avenue to Fair Drive)

In addition to Bryant's suggestions for Cascade residents, Atlanta Police have released an official list of holiday safety tips from the American Crime Prevention Institute. They include:

• Don't allow thieves and burglars easy entry to your home. Always lock your doors and windows.
• Don't openly display Christmas gifts through a window. It's too tempting for criminals.
• Outdoor lights burning 24 hours a day, piled up newspapers and mail, and advertising flyers left hanging on door knobs are advertisements to criminals that you are not home for extended periods of time.
• Extension cords for outdoor Christmas lights run through a window can prevent it from being properly secured – and provide burglars easy entry.
• Don't leave messages on answering machines or status updates on Facebook announcing you will be traveling for the holidays.
• Don't leave discarded boxes of electronics and other expensive gifts on your curb, letting criminals know there's plenty of new merchandise in your home for the picking.
• When shopping, always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Using a cellphone can be a distraction.
• Shop before dark if possible.
• Have your keys readily available in your hand when approaching your vehicle.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Carry credit/debit cards if possible.
• Discourage purse-snatchers by not burdening yourself with packages; have packages delivered when possible.
• Carry a purse under your arm; a wallet in your jacket or coat pocket – not your back pants pocket.