"You better watch out!"

December 14, 2011 column for the Morgan County Citizen and Lake Oconee News.

‘Tis the season! Despite the struggling economy, everyone is enthusiastically preparing for the holidays by diligently searching for that special gift for that extraordinary person. They are scurrying around totally focused on making their loved one’s happy as they experience the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, all the while allowing their protective instincts to lessen.

Unfortunately, letting your guard down dramatically increases the opportunity for those with the “zeal to steal” to be successful. Individuals with a penchant to prey upon the innocent are constantly lurking in the shadows ready to pounce at the right moment to grab whatever is available. They are patient, relentless and equally as energetic in their daily endeavors as the discerning holiday shopper. However, their total focus is capitalizing on the opportunities afforded them by the innocent and unsuspecting.

Recently, two well-experienced criminals from another county were observed patrolling one of our residential neighborhoods during daytime hours looking for any opportunity for personal gain. They drove rather slowly peering up and down countless driveways looking for just the right indicators that no one was home. They were looking for the optimum circumstances that would increase their chances of illegally obtaining the property of another while minimizing their risk of capture.

They ultimately entered the driveway of a fairly secluded residence that appeared to be vacant and knocked on the door to determine if anyone was home. After trying several times, the homeowner reluctantly came to the door and startled them. They quickly asked for directions and immediately vacated the property. They continued their quest and approached another home nearby but noticed a vehicle parked in the drive with its door open. Much to their dismay, the vehicle belonged to a sheriff’s office investigator who confronted them as they were leaving the driveway.

The subsequent investigation disclosed one of the individuals was wanted in another county and was armed with a handgun taken in a crime only three days before. There were items in their vehicle from other crimes in two other counties along with handkerchiefs used to cover their faces while committing these crimes. They were just two of several in their group cruising various counties strictly for criminal purposes. Fortunately, these two were apprehended before any Morgan County resident was victimized.

It’s sad to say but every day there are countless individuals mimicking the criminal intent these two exhibited. They patrol the streets, knock on doors and ask seemingly innocuous questions when someone is home. If the setting is right, they forcefully enter the residence or vehicle or any other structure on the property and take what they can. Often times they “hit” multiple properties within a short period of time before they abscond from the area.

To successfully combat this recurring criminal activity, residents are encouraged to first, secure their hard earned belongings as well as photograph and document the make, model, and serial numbers of these items. Second, they must be constantly vigilant of their surroundings and immediately notify law enforcement of any suspicious persons, vehicles or circumstances. It’s that time of year folks! Keep your guard up and minimize the opportunities for the criminal’s success!