Welcome to the July edition of the PENS Bulletin brought to you by the Cobb County Police Criminal Investigations Unit at Precinct Two.

Crime Prevention Tips

General Catalytic Converter Information

A Catalytic Converter is a part of the vehicle’s exhaust system. It helps reduce vehicle pollution. Catalytic Converters are located under a vehicle on the exhaust pipe before the muffler(s). Catalytic Converters, along with copper and other metals, have become a hot commodity for thieves. Catalytic Converter theft has become popular because of its value, relative ease to steal (unbolt or cut out), and their lack of identifying markings. The lack of identification makes it difficult to identify victims and successfully apprehend and prosecute criminals.

Thieves take the stolen Catalytic Converters to metal recyclers. The recyclers pay an average of $50 per converter for the precious metals inside them. But certain converters they will pay up to $250. Victims pay an average of $1000 (or an average $250/$500 insurance deductible) to get the converter(s) replaced. It can cost as much as $4000 however.

What Vehicles are targeted by Catalytic Converter Thieves?

Any vehicle manufactured after 1974 can be a target. However, Trucks and SUV s (Sports Utility Vehicles) are the vehicles they target the most. They prefer Trucks and SUV’s, because they are higher off the ground and easier to crawl under. Toyota Trucks and SUV’ in the 90’s to the late 2000’s are especially vulnerable because the Catalytic Converters are more exposed than the average converter. The thieves can quickly unbolt/cut out the converter in minutes. Some of the larger Toyota Trucks and SUV’s have two Catalytic Converters as well. If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won’t be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don’t have as many precious metals, so thieves typically don’t take them.

Common Places where Catalytic Converter theft Occurs?

Your Home Driveway or Street Most of the Catalytic Converter thefts occur while your car is parked in your driveway or on the street in front of your house. Hardware / Convenient Store Parking Lots Vehicles parked in large open Hardware / Convenient Store parking lots are targeted. A look-out will often watch out as a thief takes the Catalytic Converter. Auto Dealer Lots Brand new vehicles on a Dealer Lot are targeted. The thieves have all night to steal popular Catalytic Converters while the new vehicles sit in their parking lot. Dealers have seen up to 20 Catalytic Converters taken in a night. Semi-Truck Auto Transport Trailer Vehicles are targeted while they are on a Semi-Truck Auto Transport Trailer. Thieves can easily get underneath the vehicles to remove the Catalytic Converters.

Tips on how to help prevent your Catalytic Converter from getting Stolen

The #1 way to protect your vehicle’s Catalytic Converter is to park your vehicle(s) inside a garage or in a secure side yard. If you must park your vehicle in the driveway, motion detector lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway may be a deterrent. Also, getting a vehicle motion detector alarm might help. Look for suspicious people and vehicles in your neighborhood.

If you see a suspicious person under a vehicle, chances are they are attempting to steal the Catalytic Converter. Get the suspect(s) and/or suspect vehicle descriptions if possible. Write down the license plate of a suspicious vehicle if you can safely. If the crime is in progress, call 911.

Precinct 2 Year-to-Date Statistics

Crime Event	Number	Trend	%
Homicide	9	▲	+80%
Robbery	31	▼	-45%
Aggravated Assault	154	▲	+27%
Residential Burglary	99	▼	-15%
Commercial Burglary	68	▼	-2%
Entering Auto	219	▼	-26%
Theft	618	▲	+6%
Vehicle Theft	145	▼	-11%

Remember, Crime Trend data can be deceiving, but make no mistake crime is up in South Cobb. We are working hard in the uniform and detective bureaus to keep our community safe. We need your help. Call 911 to report suspicious activity, register your cameras, and lock your vehicles when parked. Small steps can make a big difference.

A Crisis Has No Schedule

Help is available 24/7 for problems with developmental disabilities, mental health, drugs, or alcohol.

Call the Georgia Crisis & Access Line at 1-800-715-4225 or visit georgiacollaborative.com.

Obtaining Police Reports

Obtaining Accident Reports

Accident reports are generally available for pick up 3-5 business days after the event. There is a $5.00 charge for all non-involved parties.

Obtain an accident report in person:

Involved parties can go to any precinct or Police Headquarters. Non-involved parties must go to Police Headquarters. A valid form of identification will be requested.

Obtain an accident report by mail:

Mail a request, a copy of a valid form of identification, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Cobb County Police Department
Central Records
545 South Fairground Street
Marietta, Georgia 30060

Obtain an accident report by email:

Please send an email request topoliceopenrecordsofficer@cobbcounty.orgwith a copy of valid photo identification.

Obtain an Accident Report Online:

https://cobbpd.policetocitizen.com/Home

Obtaining Incident Reports

Incident reports that are 10 or more pages are 10¢ per page for non-involved parties. To obtain a copy of an incident report:

In-person:

Involved parties can go to any of the five Cobb County precincts or Central Records to obtain a copy of most incident reports. Parties not listed as involved on the reports, or parties requesting reports involving juveniles, domestic violence, rape, or stalking must go to Central Records to obtain a copy of the report.

Via Email:

Email the request topoliceopenrecordsofficer@cobbcounty.org. Reports involving juveniles, domestic violence, rape, or stalking can only be obtained at Central Records.

Mail:

Send your request to the address listed above.

Online:

https://cobbpd.policetocitizen.com/Home

Vehicle/Impound Release

A release form for an impounded vehicle may be obtained from the precinct from where it was impounded, or from Central Records at Police Headquarters. Proof of ownership and a valid form of identification will be required. Proof of ownership may be a certificate of title, tag receipt, bill of sale, GCIC VIN/tag returns, or other such evidence that specifically describes the vehicle.

If there is a hold on the vehicle, it shall not be released without the permission of the authorizing officer.

A 3rd party who is sent by the owner to pick up a vehicle must have:

• A valid form of identification; and
• A signed and notarized letter from the owner specifically naming 1) the individual to pick up the vehicle, and 2) a description of the vehicle, to include the vehicle make, model, color, and VIN (or tag number); and
• Proof that the signatory owns the vehicle.

Pay a Citation:

http://cobbstatecourtpayments.com/

Submit a Crime Tip or Suspicious Activity

https://cobbcounty.seamlessdocs.com/f/crime_tip

National 9pm Routine Week

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National 9pm Routine Week is July 24 - 30. Help your community practice nightly safety routines by providing these simple steps to keep their homes and vehicles safe every night.

The 9PM Routine was created by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office and has been adopted by other agencies across the country. Download and share these new graphics on Neighbors and your other social media outlets to introduce the 9PM Routine to your own community.

Scheduled Post Date Examples:

• July 26th - Get into the habit! #9pmRoutine
• July 27th - It’s That Time Again!
• July 28th - Keep Your Valuables Safe
• July 29th - Complete The 9pm Routine!
• July 30th - Always Follow the 9pm Routine!

Your Precinct 2 Heroes at Work

Armed Robber Nabbed by Cobb County’s Finest

Officers responded to an address off Fern Valley Drive in reference to an Armed Robbery. The responding officer spoke with the victims and they advised they were robbed at gunpoint by a black male and white female. The officer who responded was familiar with a female that lived in the area and had been in trouble in the past. With assistance from the Crimes Against Persons unit, the suspects were located at the home of the female and taken into custody. The suspects were confirmed by a show-up with the victims.

Homicide Suspect by Cobb County Police

On July 10, 2022, Officers responded to a person stabbed. Upon arrival, the officers located a female that suffered from multiple stab wounds and was transported to Grady Hospital. The female succumbed to her injuries. Officers at the scene found through an initial investigation that the victim was walking her dog when she observed another female walking a dog. The dogs engaged in a dog fight, then the dog owners engaged in a physical fight. This fight led to the stabbing death of the victim. Officers were able to detain all of the parties involved. Murder charges were later taken for the female suspect.

Juveniles Caught and Charged with Breaking into Cars

On June 9, 2022, Officers responded to a home where the alarm was alerting the homeowner of movement in his driveway at 3:00 AM. The homeowner observed three males attempting to break into his vehicle. Using the surveillance cameras, the homeowner provided officers with a detailed description of the suspects and a direction of travel. A uniformed Sergeant located three males matching the description at an intersection and detained them for further investigation. The subjects were 14 years old, 15 years old, and 17 years old. Officers located a stolen handgun in the 17-year-old’s jacket pocket. Additionally, several stolen credit cards were found on the subjects linking them back to other car break-ins. All three were charged.

Burglary Suspect Arrested

On July 15, 2022, Officer responded to a burglary in progress in the area of Dillon Road. Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed away from the scene. The officers conducted a felony traffic stop on the vehicle and found five occupants. A search of the individuals led to finding methamphetamine, three handguns, and tools used to commit a burglary. The five suspects were able to be linked with the reported burglary and arrested.

Cobb County Camera Registry

The Cobb County Police Camera Registration program is a police/community video partnership that operates on a voluntary basis with homeowners, neighborhoods and business owners who own private video surveillance systems. We encourage both businesses and residents to register their cameras online by completing the form below.

This program is intended to let our officers know where cameras are active in the county in case a crime occurs. It is not intended for active surveillance, and officers will not have direct access to homeowners' cameras. Those who register a camera will be contacted if a crime occurs in the vicinity of that camera. Information provided by residents and businesses will be maintained in a secure database.

Fill out our Online Registration Form and find out more about the program.

Police Athletic League

Cobb PAL focuses on juvenile crime prevention through athletic and recreational activities for Cobb County’s high-risk neighborhoods, primarily in South Cobb. There are many ways that you can help, whether it be spreading the word, getting your children involved, volunteering your time and resources or donating money. If you wish to assist this worthwhile program and make a donation, visit Ways to Help.

Sign Up for PENS Bulletins

Please refer your neighbors to sign up for the Police Email Notification System (PENS).

To sign up for the Police Email Notification system please subscribe.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact us at Precinct2Pens@cobbcounty.org

 

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Detective Lieutenant N. McCreary
Det. Sergeant M. Nerbonne
Detective Sergeant R. Hyatt

Cobb County Police Department
Precinct Two
4700 Austell Rd
Austell, GA 30106
Precinct2Pens@cobbcounty.org