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Atlanta Police & Downtown Leaders Start 'Lock, Hide, Keep' to Stop Car Break-Ins

Dec 13, 2024 at 1:05 AM

On Thursday in Atlanta, downtown business leaders came together with the Atlanta Police Department to introduce a fresh initiative aimed at curbing car break-ins within the downtown area. During a press event, leaders revealed yellow signs that prominently display the message “Lock, Hide, Keep.” These signs are set to be installed across the downtown core, serving as a reminder to drivers to remain vigilant during the holiday season. As Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum emphasized, by simply not leaving anything in the car, locking it, and removing all valuable items, one can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Downtown businesses have the opportunity to order these signs through Central Atlanta Progress (CAP). AJ Robinson, the president of CAP, stated that safety is of utmost importance for downtown Atlanta. Through this campaign, they are empowering both individuals and businesses to take practical measures to decrease theft and create a more secure environment for everyone who visits, lives, or works there. The timing of this initiative is well-chosen, considering the upcoming influx of hundreds of thousands of visitors into downtown Atlanta in the next few weeks. Downtown Atlanta will be hosting the Peach Bowl, the Peach Drop, and the College Football National Championship, along with its regular day-to-day traffic. Robinson expressed the hope that this campaign will not only start in downtown but will also spread to every city neighborhood facing similar challenges. It is important to note that Atlanta is witnessing a decline in car break-ins on a year-over-year basis. According to Schierbaum, break-ins have dropped by approximately 9% from 2022 to 2023. He also anticipates an additional 3% drop in car break-ins by the end of 2024. However, the latest string of break-ins occurred in mid-November at the Cottonwood Westside Apartments, where around 80 cars were reported to have been broken into overnight. Garrett Folts shared his experience, expressing a mix of emotions, mainly frustration as he had to call out of work, resulting in additional financial losses. Schierbaum acknowledged the frustration felt by victims of car break-ins despite the overall progress in the city. He also expressed his concern about firearms being stolen from cars during break-ins. So far in 2024 through October, 617 guns have been stolen from parking lots. He emphasized that when a firearm is taken from a vehicle by a criminal, there is a high likelihood that it will be used in a crime, often resulting in a robbery or an aggravated assault. Therefore, if one is a gun owner, it is crucial to be a responsible gun owner. Robinson mentioned that they will also be launching public service announcements (PSAs) through social media channels as part of this initiative. Schierbaum highlighted that parking decks have become targets for suspects. He encouraged parking deck owners to install additional lighting and consider hiring security guards to help prevent break-ins.

Empowering Atlanta with Measures to Prevent Car Break-Ins

Details of the Initiative

The joint effort between downtown business leaders and the Atlanta Police Department showcases their commitment to enhancing the safety of downtown Atlanta. The yellow signs, with their simple yet powerful message, serve as a visual reminder for drivers to take necessary precautions. By following the “Lock, Hide, Keep” mantra, individuals can play an active role in reducing the occurrence of car break-ins. This initiative not only focuses on preventing theft but also aims to create a sense of security for the entire downtown community.

Moreover, the availability of these signs through Central Atlanta Progress (CAP) makes it convenient for businesses to participate in the campaign. By ordering the signs, businesses can contribute to the overall safety effort and set an example for their customers and employees. This collaborative approach between different stakeholders is crucial in addressing the issue of car break-ins and creating a safer environment.

Impact of the Initiative

The timing of the initiative is highly significant, given the upcoming events in downtown Atlanta. With the Peach Bowl, the Peach Drop, and the College Football National Championship attracting a large number of visitors, the risk of car break-ins naturally increases. However, by implementing this campaign, downtown Atlanta is taking proactive measures to mitigate this risk. The hope is that by starting in downtown and spreading to other neighborhoods, the initiative will have a lasting impact on reducing car break-ins across the city.

Statistics show that Atlanta is already seeing a decline in car break-ins, which is a positive sign. The 9% drop from 2022 to 2023 and the anticipated 3% drop by the end of 2024 demonstrate the effectiveness of the measures being taken. However, incidents like the one at the Cottonwood Westside Apartments serve as a reminder that there is still work to be done. By continuing to raise awareness and implement preventive measures, Atlanta can further reduce the occurrence of car break-ins and ensure the safety of its residents and visitors.

Preventive Measures for Parking Decks

Parking decks have emerged as a common target for suspects, and Schierbaum's advice to install additional lighting and hire security guards is crucial. Adequate lighting can act as a deterrent and make it easier for security personnel to monitor the area. Hiring security guards provides an extra layer of protection and can help prevent break-ins from occurring.

Parking deck owners have a responsibility to take these measures to ensure the safety of their customers. By investing in additional lighting and security personnel, they can create a more secure environment and give peace of mind to those using the parking decks. This collaborative effort between parking deck owners and the police department can go a long way in preventing car break-ins and improving the overall safety of downtown Atlanta.