SAVANNAH, GA (July 19, 2012) Residents of central Savannah shouldn’t be surprised if they find a Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police officer knocking at their door for the next few weeks.
Central Precinct Commander Capt. DeVonn Adams is expanding his battle to reduce crime by focusing on prevention. And he has unlocked cars and open windows in his sights.
Open doors facilitate thieves who easily enter vehicles in search of valuables. Often they even find keys to the vehicle and take it. While reports of thefts from vehicles are lower than past years, they remain one of the most prevalent complaints and Adams has included them on his “All Hands On Deck” operation to step up crime prevention during the summer months.
“Now we are findings doors are not only unlocked, but the windows are open as well,” said Adams. “It’s understandable that summer weather encourages drivers to find ways to cool their cars. But thefts from them are costly to the owners, add to crime numbers and negatively affect neighbors’ perception of their own security.”
Operation “All Hands on Deck,” which has Central officers expanding efforts to avoid the traditional summer crime increases, has helped reduce crime in the area 26 percent over 2011 figures. The success has inspired Central officers to do even more.
Adams has asked those who see parked vehicles with open windows to stop and knock on doors to find the owners and advise them of the potential ramifications.
At the same time, he warns drivers that cars parked facing the wrong way are susceptible to tickets as well.
“Many people feel the streets in front of their residences are an extension of their yards and they should be able to park any way they like,” he said. “But parking the wrong way is not only dangerous for them and passing autos when they try to leave, but the lack of reflectors on the front of the vehicles can make them more difficult for other drivers to see at night. If an illegally parked car is struck, its owner can be held responsible.”
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