APD Warns of Craigslist Robbers

The Atlanta Police Department on Tuesday issued a warning to residents about a robbery crew that finds victims on Craigslist.

The robbery crew reportedly meets up with people from Craigslist who advertise items for sale, and then the crew runs off with the merchandise without paying.

A recent robbery victim in northwest Atlanta took video of an incident involving an iPad. Police are asking anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477).

Also, the Midtown Ponce Security Alliance (MPSA) is asking area residents to not only be observant, but to also report suspicious and criminal activity to 911.

MPSA notes on its website:

Reporting them will sufficiently assist law enforcement officials in making our community safer and more orderly. Response times to 911 calls may not always be optimal, but police normally find and intercept the individual quickly and conduct a field interview.

Sometimes they find that the individual in question has warrants or can be linked to some criminal incident, but most of the time they are sent on their way. If the subject of a suspicious person call really is up to no good, the fact that folks will consistently report suspicious behavior very effectively reflects an appreciation for a safe, orderly and thriving neighborhood. Criminals tend not to gravitate to places where neighbors envision their community in this way.

Here are other ways to play your role in a safer neighborhood:

BE ESPECIALLY ATTENTIVE TO THE FOLLOWING AND REPORT THEM TO 911 WITHOUT DELAY:

• Any obvious criminal activity
• Street prostitution and drug activity
• Snooping, hiding, or wandering on private property or in alleyways
• Peeking into parked cars
• Solicitors, especially those going door-to-door – they’re usually street scammers
• Unusual noises, such as glass breaking, screaming, or dog barking.
• Irrational, menacing, or threatening conduct
• Walking down street with weapons or unusual object
• Property being taken out of houses or buildings where no one is at home or the business is closed
• Cars, vans, or trucks moving slowly with no lights or apparent destination
• Altercations and street fights
• Anyone being forced into a vehicle
• Sitting in a car day or night, especially when transactions are taking place
• A stranger stopping to talk to, or lure a child
• Running as if from something
• If in doubt, err on the side of calling the law. Trust your instincts…
• Do not attempt to handle these situations on your own. Report these kinds of situations to 911 immediately

REPORT SUSPICIOUS AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITY TO 911

When calling 911 remain calm and give the following information:

• WHO you are – briefly identify yourself and your location
• WHAT you are reporting
• WHERE this is happening
• WAIT for additional questions by the 911 operator

Note the following to the best of your ability:

• Suspect(s): sex, race, age, height, weight, shoes, hair color, clothing, distinctive characteristics such as beard, mustache, scars, injuries or bleeding, items carried and accent/manner of speaking
• Vehicles: if a vehicle is involved note color, make, model, year, license plate, and special features such as stickers, markings, and dents

Even though you may call 911 anonymously, it is helpful if you are available to police for clarification and information. Keep the line open once you make the 911 call. Once police address the incident, be sure to tell your neighbors and us about it at earliest convenience.

PLEASE ADVISE THE MPSA OF ONGOING PATTERNS SUCH AS:

• Drug Dealing – characterized by frequent, short visits by various individuals
• Vagrants Camping & Loitering
• Nuisance Properties
• Litter Accumulation
• Graffiti and street spam
• Abandoned and junked vehicles
• Suspicious and nuisance activity, such as panhandling and drug activity
• Dark places along streets, especially malfunctioning street lights
• Street prostitution and signs of such, including (patterns of) used condoms

These things adversely affect neighborhood safety, quality of living, aesthetics and property values. They need to be addressed as early as possible.