Atlanta Police Nab "No.1 Car Break-In Perpetrator" in Zone 5

Kevin Rodney Charles, whom police say is the biggest auto burglar in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward, Downtown and Midtown neighborhoods, was arrested March 11.

Charles, who remains in the Fulton County Jail on $120,000 bond, faces nine charges including five counts of felony automobile break-ins.

It's his 12th arrest since 2005.

"He was finally arrested after months of surveillance," Assistant District Attorney Sharla Jackson said Monday at Neighborhood Planning Unit-M's monthly meeting.

Jackson, the Fulton County community prosecutor for the Atlanta Police Deparment's Zone 5, described Charles as the zone's "No. 1 car break-in perpetrator."

APD's Zone 5 includes the Old Fourth Ward, Sweet Auburn, Downtown and Midtown neighborhoods.

Even with the arrest, APD officials continue to stress Atlantans need to be more vigilant about securing their vehicles.

Over the last several months, commanders of the six APD zones have made the rounds at community associations and neighborhood groups, pushing the "Clean Car Campaign."

Laptops, mobile phones, wallets and purses and GPS devices all make tempting treasures for auto thieves, police have said. Removing them from vehicles entirely, makes those vehicles less likely targets for thieves.