News and Notes
Active Shooter Incident Civilian Response
Recently we have seen many news stories about active shooter
incidents around the country. Fortunately, such incidents are still quite rare,
but it doesn’t hurt to be aware and be prepared.
Law enforcement officials are
promoting the strategy of “Run, Hide, Fight” for civilians. This means that you
should first attempt to evacuate the area. If this is not possible, you should
find a good place to hide from the shooter. And finally if neither of these
options are possible and you are confronted with the shooter, you should fight
as a last resort.
The Atlanta Police Department has distributed a video that explains
these actions in detail. You can view the seven minute video here https://youtu.be/VPAqw1wXUfw.
In addition, Crestridge street captain, Linda Edmunds,
prepared a “Cliff notes” version of the video. You can see these notes on the
Virginia Highland Security Patrol (FBAC) website here http://www.fbacvahi.com/2016/01/run-hide-fight-your-response-to-active.html.
As always, this information is not offered to make anyone
afraid, or to suggest that an active shooter incident in the neighborhood or
our workplaces is likely. Thinking through possible scenarios just serves to
help us be more aware and to make our best response in any unexpected
situation.
Wheel Theft and Smash & Grab Crime in Virginia Highland
In the past two months we have seen several incidents where
wheels have been stripped from vehicles and store windows have been broken with
merchandise stolen. These types of crimes are happening all over the City of
Atlanta – especially in Zones, 2, 6 and 5. It is likely that this is the work
of a few groups repeating the same crimes in the same areas.
Some residents and
business owners have asked for increased patrols in the belief that an increased
police presence will stop these thefts. However, the odds of catching members of
these crews in the act as extremely low. It is more likely that the thieves will
be caught because of a tip from the public or mistakes that they make, such as
leaving finger prints behind.
Detectives, beat officers and undercover officers
are working hard to developing leads, and the Virginia Highland Security Patrol
(FBAC) and Atlanta Police Department are working closely to bring these
criminals to justice.
2015 Wrap Up
Though no crime is acceptable, Virginia-Highland remains one
of the safest neighborhoods in the City of Atlanta. Many things happened during
the year to contribute to that safety.
During 2015 we saw increased communication
with Atlanta Police Department. We had written communications coming
directly to the neighborhood from both Major Timothy Peek, Zone 6 Commander,
and Deputy Chief Spillane. In addition, APD command staff held a special safety
meeting facilitated by Councilman Alex Wan and the Virginia Highland Civic
Association. APD has also increased their use of social media to communicate
with the public via their YouTube channel, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
One very bright spot for public safety this year was the
revival of the Fulton County District Attorney’s Citizen
CourtWatch program. With the appointment of Danielle Simpson, JD as the
CourtWatch Coordinator, we once again have a voice in sentencing of the criminals
who prey on our neighborhood. Already this year CourtWatchers have participated
in several hearings by submitting community impact statements and appearing in
court.
As I look back on 2015 it has been an interesting year for
me as I slowly assume more responsibility for leading the neighborhood watch
program. All I can say is that I am learning more each week, meeting wonderful
and dedicated people, and I’m thankful that John is still here to coach me. We
are also fortunate to have so many dedicated street captains who turned out for
our neighborhood watch annual meeting in September.
In addition to all the many great things John does for neighborhood
watch, FBAC and other programs. We also have to thank him for being the driving
force behind Virginia-Highland’s participation in the Zone
6 toy drive. This year John collected six car loads full of toys, and
also coordinated the donation of several bicycles and bike helmets. Reports
from those who volunteered to help set-up and serve during the party told us
that the children were thrilled. Thanks also to Officer Felicia Dodson who put
the whole toy drive and party together for Zone 6. Office Dodson is also the
person who provides all of the data for the reports we send to you each month,
and we couldn’t do that without her hard work.
Kudos also go to Nancy Safay and Sgt. Chris Clark for doing
a great job with Virginia Highland Security Patrol (aka FBAC). The program now has more
members than at any time in the previous 25 years, and I often hear comments
from members about how helpful Nan has been when they had a question or needed
help. In addition to supervising FBAC patrols, Chris coordinated security for
Summerfest in 2015 as he has for many years. You might expect that we would see
a spike in crime over Summerfest weekend with so many visitors to the
neighborhood, but in fact the numbers tell a different story. That was one of
the lowest weeks of the year for auto break-ins. Another reminder that crowded
streets and venues have their advantages.
For several years now Keep Virginia
Highland Beautiful, ably led by Tim Langan, has been working to improve
the appearance of our commercial sectors. In addition to two successful
clean-ups this year, it appears that more and more residents and business
owners are taking the initiative to police illegal signs on poles and in the
public right of way, to pick up litter, and to control weeds. On my daily walks
around the neighborhood I am often finding that a sign I planned to remove is
already gone, or a messy sidewalk has been cleaned up. I hope we can do even
better in 2016.
In addition to facilitating a meeting for the neighborhood
with APD command staff, the VHCA safety committee
has made a big difference during 2015 on road and street safety, thanks to
Peggy Berg. The team is also now generating a monthly graphic snapshot of
safety statistics, and going forward will increase emphasis on lighting and on
house number signage, which is critical for first responders to get to our
homes quickly.
I often think that statistics
can be deceiving and bent out of shape to make any point, so I won’t belabor
the numbers. I will say that with twelve beats in Zone 6 (Virginia-Highland is
Beat 601) and all things being equal, you could expect that we would experience
8.33% of the crime in the Zone.
But of course all things are not equal. As a
result, of the most violent crimes (homicide and rape) we were mostly spared.
We did have seventeen pedestrian robberies (about 7% of the Zone 6 total), but
only 3.8% of the residential burglaries (twenty-two for us). Commercial
burglaries, including recent smash and grab incidents at several neighborhood
retailers, accounted for 7.8% of the Zone’s 123 break-ins.
The one place where
Virginia-Highland continues to stand out is in the area of larceny from
vehicles. During 2015 we experienced 172 vehicle break-ins, which represents
9.7% of the Zone total of 1,781. Though nothing can prevent all of these
crimes, let’s work together to reduce that number significantly. Help spread
the word about the clean car campaign, and report all suspicious behavior by
calling 911!
Upcoming Meetings
Virginia-Highland Civic Association – 2nd Monday 7pm
at Fulton County Library on Ponce.
NPU F – 3rd Monday 7pm at Hillside off Monroe.
Crime Statistics – Note report is for four weeks of data
The following information is taken from our
APD Zone 6 report (http://atlantapd.org/Zone6.aspx).
It includes information from the Virginia-Highland Beat
601 reported incidents along with relevant reports from other
nearby beats. Keep in mind that not all incidents are reported. A map showing
the location of beats 601 – 612 within Zone 6 can be found at this link http://boundaries.atlantapd.org/Map-Zone6-Beats.aspx.
This information is not shared to scare anyone, but to let you know what
happens around us every day so you can be alert and aware.
Homicide None
reported in Beat 601 and none in Zone 6.
Rape None
reported in Beat 601 and 2 reported in Zone 6.
Pedestrian/Carjacking
Robbery One reported in Beat 601 and 17 reported in Zone 6.
On December 6th a woman parked her vehicle on
Maiden Lane and then walked to a nearby bar. At the end of the evening her
friends drove her back to her car. As soon as they drove off, two men drove up behind
her. They exited their vehicle and demanded her belongings. She refused and one
suspect struck her in the face and stole her purse. This is a good reminder
that you should always see your friend safely into their car and that the car starts
before driving away.
Residential
Robbery None reported in Beat 601 and one reported in Zone 6
.
Commercial Robbery
None reported in beat 601 and five reported in Zone 6.
Aggravated Assault One
reported in Beat 601 and nineteen reported in Zone 6.
On December 23rd a resident of apartments on
Virginia Ave and a friend exited their building and saw suspects in the friend’s
car. The resident gave chase and the suspects shot at him with a handgun. Fortunately,
he was not hurt and one suspect dropped the backpack he had stolen. However, the
resident was very lucky not to have been injured. Despite our instincts to
protect our property, it is always best to assume that suspects are armed and willing
to shoot. Focus on staying safe and calling 911 rather than giving chase.
Residential Burglary Two
reported in Beat 601 and fifty-five reported in Zone 6.
On December 10th the door of an apartment on N.
Highland was kicked in and a camera was stolen.
On December 23rd the door of an apartment on
Monroe was pried open and jewelry, clothing and a laptop were stolen.
Commercial
Burglary Two reported in Beat 601 and twelve reported in Zone 6.
On November 30th the suspect apparently reached
through the mail slot of a business on Ponce de Leon and unlocked the door. A
laptop was stolen.
On December 1st suspects smashed the front door
and stole apparel and accessories from Threadz on St. Charles. This retailer
has been hit several times during 2015 and is apparently a target because of
the high end merchandise that is easy to resell.
On December 11th at Ponce Denim Co., a retailer
at Ponce City Market, rocks were thrown through a window and eight suspects
stole approximately $30,000 in merchandise. Video is available of the theft.
Though not in Beat 601, the office at Oakland Cemetery was
burglarized and the cash register and jewelry was stolen on November 29th
around midnight.
Larceny From Vehicle Twenty-three
reported in Beat 601 and one hundred and thirty-two reported in Zone 6.
Vehicles were entered on Barnett, Drewry, Ponce de Leon, Los
Angeles, N. Highland, Rosedale Rd., St. Charles, Virginia, and parking lots of American
Road House, Chow Baby, Hand and Hand, The Carlton, The Local, U.S. Post Office,
and the former Aurora. Taken were a rifle, computer bags, hand bags, laptops, luggage,
prescription medication, golf clubs, and a catalytic converter. Entry was made
via broken windows and in a couple of cased by drilling or punching a hole
under the handle of the door.
Elsewhere in the zone suspects stole four unsecured handguns,
and over $7,000 cash.
Other Larcenies Five
reported in Beat 601 and ninety-three reported in Zone 6.
In one case items were stolen from a residence when they had
people over to watch a football game. In another a bar patron set her phone
down and it was taken while she was distracted. Another locked bicycle was
stolen from an apartment stairwell. Please try to take bicycles inside your
secured residence.
At Friend’s on Ponce a patron placed his back pack behind
his seat and fifteen minutes later it was missing. Halfmoon Outfitters also reported
a shoplifting incident, and an Inman Middle School student had his iPhone
stolen from his backpack
For a different twist, the victim booted a vehicle and when
he came back the next day he found both the car and his boot were missing.
Auto Theft
None reported in Beat 601 and thirty-four reported in Zone 6.
If this report was forwarded to you and you would like to be
added to the distribution, please send a message to me at VaHiSafety@gmail.com with your name,
email address, and affiliation. Thanks.
Stay Safe!
Kay Stephenson
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