Georgia Police Help Criminals Find Booty
Dec 11, 2007 General
Imagine if the police in your neighborhood checked your home while you were out and left a big, bright sign tacked to the front door informing you that they had found your house unlocked or an open window. You would get home and be thankful that the police came around and checked it out, or would you? The sign might be a nice way to let you know that you left your house open but it is also a beacon to criminals who would also know that your house was vulnerable. It would not take much for criminals to realize that a bright sign means potential target.
While this scenario might seem unlikely it is, in fact, a reality but instead of leaving signs at houses the police are leaving them on cars. Police in Conyers Georgia are patrolling parking lots looking for vehicles with packages that are visible from the outside. When they find packages that are easily seen they leave a bright yellow colored 8.5 x 11 sign on the car window. Not only are the police informing the car’s owner that their vehicle is a potential target but they are informing any would be thieves that the car has items in it that they might just be interested in.
This is one of those things that seems like a good idea but has unintended consequences. It is a good idea to let people know they have left themselves vulnerable but it is pretty stupid to also let everyone in the general area know it as well. Placing the signs on the cars makes it easier for thieves who do not have to waste time scoping out cars for the ones with booty in them. The police have done it for them.
Perhaps it would be better if the police officers patrolled the parking lots looking for people breaking into cars rather than looking for cars that have items in the open.
Source:
Rockdale Citizen
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Tags: criminals, holiday presents, police, signs