Decatur Police: Watch For Suspicious Vehicles

May 30th – 500 block of South Candler Street

June 2nd – 600 block of South Candler Street

June 3rd – 500 block of Oakview Road

June 7th – 300 block of Mimosa Drive

June 9th – 2500 block of Midway Road

June 17th – 200 block of East Davis Street

June 18th – 300 block of Kirk Road & 200 block of Avery Street

June 19th – 100 block of West Hill Street

June 22nd – 100 block Upland Road

June 24th – 500 block of South Candler Street

June 26th – 100 block of Avery Street & 300 block of Oakland Street

All homes but one were unoccupied at the time of the burglary and entry was made by forcing doors and windows.   The majority of the homes targeted have notable foliage, driveways with inclines or driveways that continue behind the home or rear alleys which all provide concealment for suspect vehicles.  The suspects are taking electronics such as large flat screen televisions, laptops and jewelry.  Many of the televisions would require the use of a vehicle to transport. 

Five of the thirteen homes targeted had alarm systems.  One alarm was bypassed by cutting the power to the home, one alarm was activated and nothing was taken from the home and three alarms were activated and a few items were taken but most of the residence was undisturbed and valuable items were left behind. 

In one case, a witness reported seeing a black male flee the scene in a white van.  In one case, a witness reported seeing four or five young black males flee the scene in what was later determined to be a vehicle stolen out of DeKalb County.

In one case, a neighbor reported seeing an unknown vehicle at the victim’s home, but police were not called until later. In one case, a resident was woken to the sound of glass breaking in a rear door and observed two black males in the home and two black males (all appeared to be in their late teens) standing outside the back door.  The males fled in a white sedan (possibly a Nissan/Honda/Hyundai) after the resident yelled at them.

In one case, a neighbor reported observing a silver/grey Dodge Ram crew cab truck with three occupants, with the engine running, backed into a neighbor’s driveway for 10-15 minutes and one black male in his mid-teens near the front porch holding a package.  It was later determined the Dodge Ram was stolen out of DeKalb County and has since been recovered.

We are working with the DeKalb County Police Department and the Atlanta Police Department on related cases and thus far, have recovered stolen property from one case.  DeKalb County Police made multiple arrests on June 18th and are still working to identify additional suspects.  We have evidence in most of the Decatur cases.  We are conducting targeted patrols in the area in marked and unmarked police vehicles, foot patrols and conducting roadblocks.

Homeowners are encouraged to trim excess foliage that would limit visibility of their homes and driveways and to park unused vehicles visible in their driveways.  Also, utilize alarm systems that are in place and have battery back-ups on the system so it will activate if power is disconnected.  All community members are encouraged to look out for your neighbors and call police immediately if you see persons or vehicles that you do not recognize on your neighbor’s property or circling your neighborhood. 

Pay particular attention to unknown vans, minivans and SUVs as they are the most commonly used.  It is believed suspects are utilizing stolen, older model minivans, Jeep Cherokees, large pick-up trucks and vans in many of the recent cases. 

Also, please be aware it is common practice for daytime burglary suspects to knock on a door before making entry to make certain the home is unoccupied.  It is recommended to verbally acknowledge your presence but DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR for unknown persons if you receive an unexpected knock on your door.  Having on a television, music or simply calling out “Who is it?” will signify the home is occupied.                            

If you believe you are witnessing a crime, please dial 911.  The non-emergency number is 404/373-6551.