Tips to Help Minimize Crime

By Sheriff Frank Reynolds

Each year, the Cherokee Sheriffs Office (CSO) completes an annual report of the previous year. The report contains detailed information from each division within our organization, which can range from criminal activity to community outreach programs. We use this statistical data to monitor trends in criminal activity and where to best reallocate our resources to better serve our community.

Although our Uniform Patrol Division (UPD) conducts high-visibility patrolling techniques to deter criminal activity, we simply cannot be in all places at all times. As a result, we often respond to property crimes that have already occurred. Unfortunately, many of these crimes were preventable.

Here are a few simple things you can do to minimize your chances of becoming a victim of a crime:

Lock Your Doors

It sounds simple, but theft is one of the most common crimes in Cherokee County.

Do not leave your home or vehicle unlocked. Thieves are generally opportunists and look for unlocked doors. This is particularly true in neighborhoods where there are ample opportunities to take someone elses valuables. Rural areas can expect more thefts of ATVs and tools left in sheds.

Although our stats were down last year, the CSO experienced 861 reports of theft by taking and 281 reports of entering auto. Additionally, we reported 52 cases of commercial burglaries and 311 residential burglaries.

Monitor Your Credit

Fraud and identity theft is a problem that is ever-increasing. Many of the scams are very convincing and may cause someone to make a costly mistake. These crimes can be difficult to investigate.

Have a reputable company monitor and track your credit. There are several companies that offer this service. A credit monitoring service can alert you if someone is using your personal information to open fraudulent accounts in your name.

When practical, use your credit card at the gas pump instead of your debit card. A growing trend for criminals is to steal your debit information by placing a device over the actual card reader. Credit cards offer more protection, and those accounts are typically insured. Also, try to use the pumps that are closer to the business entrance.

Another recent scam is when someone portrays him/herself as a representative with the Sheriffs Office or the courthouse. The scam artist will tell the victim there is an active warrant for his/her arrest, but he/she can pay a fee to avoid going to jail.

This is a rather sophisticated scam using real names from the CSO, judges, and elected representatives. The Sheriffs Office and the courthouse will never ask you to send money. If you are in doubt, call the phone numbers listed on CherokeeGa-Sheriff.org. Never use a phone number provided by the scam artist.

Personal Safety

Although violent crimes do occur in our community, our statistical data indicates these numbers are much lower than other metropolitan counties.

The CSO recently dedicated an area at each patrol precinct for public/consumer transactions. Each location is marked with a designated parking area that is monitored with video surveillance and proper lighting.

If you would like to know more information on how we can best serve you, please reach out to any of our precinct commanders at the following locations. Together, we can make a difference.

BridgeMill Precinct
9550 Bells Ferry Road
Canton
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Free Home Precinct
9253 Freehome Highway
Canton
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Hickory Flat Precinct
7675 Vaughn Road
Canton
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Oak Grove Precinct
100 Ridge Mill Court
Acworth
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Waleska Precinct
9081 Fincher Road
Waleska
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Traffic Enforcement Precinct
1190 Evenflo Drive
Ball Ground
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South Annex
7545 Main Street
Woodstock
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