APD: Prepare for a Busy Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta

From DragonCon to football rivalries, this weekend is sure to be a packed and busy one throughout the metro Atlanta streets this Labor Day weekend.

The Atlanta Police Department has put together a list of events to be aware of and a number of things people should do for safety and ease while moving through the city.

According to APD, anyone traveling to any of the events by car should remember to adhere to the APD’s Clean Car Campaign by removing all valuables prior to exiting their vehicle. Officers routinely respond to reports of laptops, GPS units, tablet computers, purses, firearms and other valuables stolen from unattended vehicles. Leave these items at home, or take them with you to avoid becoming a victim of this preventable crime.

Other tips include:

• Consider taking MARTA to these events, or carpooling, to minimize the traffic volume expected in Downtown and Midtown Atlanta.

• Always be aware of your surroundings, and call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity. Remember the Department’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign to encourage vigilance for criminal activity.

• Be mindful of parking only in permitted lots and be sure to pay attention to any “No Parking” signs to avoid citations or fines. Violators are also subject to having their vehicles towed and impounded.

• Be aware of possible road or lane closures due to events to plan your outings with minimal disruptions.

“The City of Atlanta is safer than it’s been in more than 40 years,” Chief George Turner said. “But we always want to urge event-goers to take common-sense steps to reduce their chances of becoming victims of crime, just as one would in any major city.”

More than a dozen major events will be held over the holiday weekend attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees. Labor Day events include Atlanta Black Gay Pride, DragonCon and Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game activities.

Labor Day Weekend Events (partial list of events)

• Atlanta Black Gay Pride, Downtown and Midtown Atlanta, August 28 – September 3

• Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Georgia Dome, August 29

• Georgia State University vs. Samford University, Georgia Dome, August 30

• Dragon Con, Downtown Atlanta, August 30 – September 2 (Includes parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday)