Grant Park Issues Robbery Alert

From the Grant Park Neighborhood Association's Public Safety Committee:

Grant Park - Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014:

• Shortly before 9 p.m., I noticed an unfamiliar Jeep parked across the street. I happened to be in my car, so I pulled out of my driveway to get the license plate number. A few minutes later, a young black male got out of the Jeep and walked towards me. I asked him if I could help him. He said his “auntie" lived next door. When I firmly asked him to leave, he threatened to rob and hurt me. I didn’t have my phone, so I honked the HELL out my horn. Luckily, my neighbor came outside and scared him away. I called the police and reported the incident. The police found the Jeep ditched at Stanton Park tonight. It was reported stolen yesterday. The police also shared that the same guy threatened to rob a woman on the corner of Mead and Boulevard, minutes after my incident. So they’re looking for him now.

• At about 10 p.m. on Jan. 22 a resident was pulling up to her house when she was robbed by a young black male who ordered her to the ground at gunpoint. He is described as about 5'10" heavy build. When the woman's husband heard the commotion from their dogs barking he went outside to check on her. He was also robbed. It has been reported that the large dog scared off the robber. He ran off in an unknown direction. There is no indication that he was in a vehicle. This incident occurred on the 300 Block of Kendrick near Grant and Rawlins. Fortunately neither victim was physically injured. We will post any additional details as they become available.

I am thankful no one got hurt and the police were responsive. I’m also grateful for vigilant neighbors. 

I want to remind you that if you see ANYTHING suspicious, please notify the police right away…or at least honk your horn until it drives your neighbors (and hopefully the perpetrator) nuts.

As with all these crimes, we unite as a community, first in support of the victims. We unite to assist the Zone 6 investigation as they work to make an arrest. We unite in our resolve that these crimes do not deter us from our goals to make this the best community we possible can.

Our Grant Park Security Patrol officers will be here today during the day and we will have an officer here tonight, Saturday and Sunday nights. These officers are also part of our community and take these crimes seriously just as we do. They supplement the Zone 6 beat officers and respond to all dispatched calls usually arriving on the scene within minutes.

So once again we remind all residents to call 911 if something doesn't feel right or if you observe suspicious behavior such as someone looking into car windows. Make note of the description and the direction of travel so that our officers can respond quickly. A few minutes on the phone with the 911 operator saves valuable time for the officers when they arrive in the area looking for a suspect.

We remind you to secure your home when you leave and also take measures to secure your home at night. Assess your night time security around the house; are all outdoor lights in working order and not obstructed by trees or bushes? When arriving at home at night, do not sit in the car to talk or text. Be aware of your situation when entering the home. 

With this cold weather it is nice to drive off in a warm car. Do not leave your vehicle unattended with keys in the ignition. This week there was a drive off auto theft in a nearby neighborhood with this situation. Please make every effort to keep you vehicle empty of valuables. Even a handful of coins is tempting for a thief. 

With continued strong membership support Grant Park Security Patrol is able to add one more 4 hour shift. We meet weekly with our officers to determine patrol strategies. We had planned for one more daytime patrol but will adjust this to include an additional weeknight patrol. This will be in effect as soon as we recruit another officer. This brings our patrol team up to 7 officers and with 42 hours per week of supplemental patrols. We had added an early morning Saturday patrol for the month of December to address potential home invasion burglary. We will now staff our patrols to prevent any further robberies. We certainly hope this recent robbery was an isolated, random crime.

Remember to register your home alarm this week if you have not already done so. APD and Atlanta city web sites now have the link on their home page. Take a few minutes to record serial numbers and photograph valuables.

We will continue with our goals to make this a safe and secure neighborhood. Our Grant Park neighborhood is the best place to live, work, and play.