According to the Atlanta Constitution, despite actual decreases in violent crime, mobilization of grass roots community efforts to reduce crime have risen. A rise in property crimes may be partially to blame for the unsafe feelings that many residents are having.
Property crimes are actually up around the country. You can blame it on the sour economy or the rise in high tech devices luring thieves. In particular, Atlanta Police have seen an increase in home robberies involving flat screen televisions and car break-ins related to GPS devices.
Community organized groups are forming and getting more active as these crimes increase, but osme of them are falsely touting an increase in violent crime as well. As a matter of fact, violent crime in half of the communities saw a drop in 2008.
There have been some highly visible and brazen violent crimes over the past year that are perhaps fresh in the public’s mind. Murders in broad daylight and adult kidnappings are bound to frighten residents due simply to their visibility and boldness.
During this time of budget shortfalls and tough economics, the Mayor has asked Congress for the money to get 200 new police officers on patrol. This simply means the property crimes will hopefully tighten up as more people are caught and more are deterred by increased police presence.
Those crimes seeing increases are larceny and auto thefts, to a certain degree. The charge a perpetrator faces for theft offenses depends on the value of the items stolen. If the value is less than $500 they will face misdemeanor charges and less than 1 year in jail as a potential sentence.
However, if the value is greater than $500 or the theft involves destruction of property or home burglary, the potential sentence is noticeably increased.
The increase in property crimes will bring a greater demand for experienced defense attorneys willing to represent these defendants in courtrooms across the state. If you or someone you know is facing charges like this in Georgia, be certain to contact us.
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