Zone 3 Acting Commander Issues Warning On Car Break-Ins

Acting Zone 3 commander Capt. B.G. Cavender doesn't mince words: "Zone 3 is challenged with car break-ins," she wrote in a text alert sent out Tuesday afternoon.

"We want to encourage citizens not to store valuables in your vehicle. Please report suspicious activity and loiterers around parked vehicles."

Car break-ins have long been a problem in several parts of the city.

Between Jan. 1 and May 7, there were 457 vehicle larcenies reported to Zone 3, which includes the Grant Park and Peoplestown neighborhoods.

That's an increase of are up 33.63 percent from the same period last year.

In neighboring Zone 6, which includes the East Atlanta, Ormewood Park, McDonough-Guice and East Lake neighborhoods, vehicle larcenies dropped 21.35 percent for the same period.

"Another city-wide concern is air-conditioner/copper thefts," Cavender wrote. "A pressure switch can be installed on your a/c unit which is connected to your alarm.
If you know of anyone involved in stealing copper please report to 911 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477)."

Air-conditioning thefts seem to be a favorite of thieves. In recent weeks, eight air-conditioning units were stolen from the shopping center at Flat Shoals Road and Maynard Terrace.

Even God's house isn't immune: several churches, including the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, which faces the shopping center, were burglarized for their air conditioning units.