Theft-Related Crimes Down 13% in South Cobb

Crime in South Cobb–stolen cars, burglaries, robberies and entering auto incidents–have decreased by 13 percent compared to this time last year.

This time last year, 1,521 theft-related incidents had been committed in Cobb Police Department’s Precinct 2, which serves South Cobb. So far this year, 1,127 theft-related incidents had been committed in the area covered by the precinct.

From July to August, there was a 2 percent increase in overall tracked crime in South Cobb.

Burglaries and Robberies

According to Capt. Jeff Adcock of Precinct 2, the majority of burglaries during this time were of individually rented self-storage facilities. Three of the businesses were vacant and targeted by metal thieves. “Of the 88 homes burglarized in August, 22 were vacant, and 16 were targeted by metal thieves,” Adcock stated in an email to South Cobb Patch. Of the 78 homes burglarized in July, 18 of them were vacant.

Adcock said burglars often target vacant homes or neglected homes, which appear vacant, because they feel they are unlikely to be caught.

“Most criminals don’t want to have a confrontation with you,” Adcock said.

“It’s screaming, ‘Come burglarize me,’” Adcock said of vacant properties, adding that it is important that codes are enforced and property owners not neglect their homes.

Thirteen of the 15 robberies in August occurred during the first two weeks of the month.

One robbery victim said the person who robbed him first asked if he would like to smoke a “blunt,” a marijuana cigarette. As the victim went with him to smoke, he was robbed. Police say this is not uncommon.

Arrests

“I believe this (the decrease in robberies during the second half of August) is the result of a number of arrests made by both uniform officers and detectives during August and the first part of September,” Adcock stated. Police were able to arrest six individuals who are known to be responsible for seven robberies, but who police believe to be responsible for nine during that same period of time. 

The DUI Taskforce in cooperation with the COBRA officers arrested two individuals on Aug.12 who were responsible for the Zaxby’s robbery on Floyd Road three days earlier.

Precinct 2 officers also arrested four people who were in possession of two stolen cars.

From the beginning of August until Sept. 22, Precinct 2 officers have arrested eight burglars for at least seven, but likely many more, burglaries.

On Sept. 7, the officers serving South Cobb arrested a person known to have stolen seven cars, but is thought to have stolen as many as 20 cars. That investigation continues.

Every month South Cobb Patch will report on monthly crime incidents for the South Cobb area.