Permits are issued through the DeKalb Police Department and must be visible on the sales person.  The official permit includes the following:

• Permit number at the top
• The words "Door to Door Sales"
• Sales person's picture is on the left
• Sales person's name and company name
• Date issued and expiration date
• DeKalb Police Chief Bolton's name and signature
• DeKalb County seal is in background

Visit Municode.com and "Chapter 15 Licenses, Permits and Miscellaneous Business Regulations" / "Article VII. Peddlers, Door-to-Door Sales and Similar Occupations"

Source:  Researched by Jenni with DeKalb County Police Dept., October 2007

Incidents Observed by Neighbors:

6/30/09

Afternoon  NEW

Northbrook Drive

(off Evans Road)

Homeowner reports that a white painters van with ladder on roof driven by Hispanic middle aged man with young teenage boy was driving very slowly around bottom part of Northbrook Drive.  Between 1-3PM, the driver drove around three times and stopped and knocked on two doors  Homeowner observed this activity, and when pulled out cellphone, the van driver drove away quickly before homeowner could get the Gwinnett county tag number.  Police were called.  (Source:  Email forwarded by Tucker neighbor Sharon)

6/9/09-6/11/09

Night

Greystone North entrance

(Evans Road/Henderson Mill Road)

6/10/09

Afternoon

Crestcliff Drive

(near corner of Winbrook, area between LaVista and Midvale Roads)

6/8/09

Afternoon

Greenrock Trail

(off Evans Road)

"This afternoon at approximately 5:45, a black male, short hair, in his early twenties, wearing a bright blue shirt, knocked on our door. When I answered he said he was selling gutters. Before he went any further, I asked him if he had a permit to be selling and he said, "Yes". I asked him to show it to me and he said he did not have it with him. I explained that we have a close neighborhood watch and if he did not have a permit he needed to leave the neighborhood. I also told him I was going to call the police. He then started screaming and yelling at me. I shut the door and immediately called the police. While on the phone with the police I saw that there was a second black male, who also appeared to be in his early twenties, also wearing a bright blue shirt, waiting in the street at the top of our driveway. When I stepped back outside and when they saw that I was on the phone, they made rude hand gestures to me and started jogging up the street toward Lone Star. I can only assume the police came, but I never talked with them." Additional information:  Man would not tell homeowner the name of his company when homeowner asked him.  Police showed up at homeowner's door two hours after called.  The officer was very nice and said that he had just gotten the call and did not understand why they had not sent him earlier.  (Source:  Email from the homeowner, Robert)

5/27/09

Afternoon

Regalwoods Dr. and Summitridge Dr. Area

"I returned home yesterday afternoon to find my door from the carport busted in and my computer, monitor, keyboard and digital camera stolen. Nothing else seems to be missing, but various drawers were open and gone through. Apparently a crowbar or some device was used to
ease the deadbolt further away from the connecting point, followed by a kick or some kind of blow that busted the inside frame. My deadbolt receptacle had 2 inch screws, the repair estimator recommends 3 inch screws (check yours and change them now). I have an estimate of over $400 to repair the door frame and deadbolt and need to make a decision quickly. Sam"  (Source:  Northcrest neighborhood)

5/5/09

4/11/09

Afternoon

Chamblee Tucker Road

(Embry Hills Shopping Center)

"Greetings, This week I received a few emails from neighbors asking about a robbery at the Advance Auto Parts store on Chamblee-Tucker Road in the Embry Hills Shopping Center.  I apologize for not responding sooner.  I was out of town on business.  Tonight I stopped by the store and spoke to the manager to get the facts.  I can confirm that the store was robbed at gun point on Saturday, April 11.  According to the manager, who was on duty that day, three African-American teenagers (about 16 or 17 years of age) came into the store on that busy Saturday afternoon.  With the store filled with customers, they pulled out guns and demanded money from the store.  One of the perpetrators pointed his gun at the head of a two year old child and threatened to kill the child if they didn't get the money fast.  Fortunately, the incident ended without anyone getting hurt.  They ran away after one of the customers ran out of the store.  They got only the money in the cash registers.  The manager has now hired an armed security guard, and is installing surveillance cameras throughout the store.  The manager said these guys spent a considerable amount of time in the store asking questions and ordering parts before they pulled out their guns.  One of them stayed outside the store while it was being held up to keep people from going inside.  They did not wear any disguises, other than sunglasses.  Information about this incident was not provided by the police, or by any news source.  It was discovered by a neighbor who happened to be at the Goodyear store and heard about it from the store clerk.  This is an example of how important it is to have a neighborhood watch group and a communication network.  It is a dangerous world, and you should always be alert of your surroundings.  Stay safe."  (Source:  Nestor Young, Nottaway NW, Forwarded by Henderson Rd. area neighbor)

Peppermint Drive

(and Tucker/Northlake area)

"On Friday evening, between 7:00 and 7:30 p.m., I was working in my carport at Peppermint Dr. when a young man walked up the street and into my driveway. He looked like he was about 17 years old, white/Hispanic, with dark hair and was wearing a yellow Polo shirt, tan shorts, and athletic sneakers.  He said that he lived in the neighborhood, on Hershey, and that he was trying to raise money for his soccer team to go to Europe for a game this summer.  He said that to raise money he was selling children’s books.  After some discussion about this, my wife joined in the discussion.  He said that if we didn’t want the books that they would be given to a children’s hospital. Since this sounded like a good cause, we decided to buy a set of books for the children’s hospital.  However, by this time I was beginning to be a little suspicious because when I asked him if he lived on Hershey Ct. or Hershey Lane, he said he thought it was Hershey Rd.  I then asked him for his phone number, and he gave me a number in area 770.  After he started to leave he turned back and asked to use our bathroom, and I said OK.  While he was in the bathroom, I called the phone number he had given me and the number did not exist.  When I confronted him with this, he said it was his mom’s cell phone and the number had been changed recently, and he then gave me a different number, also a 770 area code.  I called that number and it did not exist.  After an additional failed attempt to get a phone number, I asked him to return the check.  He said that he would not.  I told him if he didn’t return the check, that I would call the police.  At that point, he tore up the check and jerked the receipt out of my hand, called me a few names, and left, saying he was going to get his mother and come back.  I told him that I would walk to his home on Hershey with him, but he would not allow that.  I then called the DeKalb police, and they came about 2 hours later and took a report.  The booklet that he showed us with the information on the books to be purchased was printed by Prestige Sales and that is the party that he asked the check to be made to.  A quick search on the internet showed that Prestige Sales is a company that trains people in door to door sales of books.  I have not yet contacted this company.  The young man said his name was Mike Hughes and that his mother’s name was Cathy Hughes."  (Source:  Peppermint Drive homeowner in Regal Forest)

Note:  There have been reports of similar description in the Midvale/LaVista Road and Briarcliff Road areas.

Northbrook Drive

(between Evans Rd./Henderson Rd.)

"I live at (# removed for privacy) Northbrook Dr.  We did have someone go through our cars the other night about 9pm. They pulled everything out of the glove compartment and other areas where there were papers. I guess they were looking for money. One of the cars was in the driveway and one was in the garage. We didn't have any valuables in the cars so I think they went away empty handed. I just thought I would let you know so that others might be aware."  (Source:  3/16/09 email forwarded by Henderson Rd. area neighbor)

Briarcliff Way

(off Henderson Mill Road)

February 2009

Various Neighborhoods

Home Break-Ins

Evergreen Hills, Payton & Briarcrest Trail: "I recently moved into the neighborhood and purchased the home at (edited for privacy) Payton Road. I have lived in the area all my life having gone to elementary school at Sagamore and high school at Lakeside. I love the area but my home was broken into on Monday morning February 2, 2009. The intruder(s) struck between 9am and noon. My garage door was smashed in and the alarm was activated. However, the burglar(s) had enough time to steal two flat screen TV's. The burglar(s) exited my front door, which was left wide open. The intruder(s) went undetected and left behind several good finger prints that the CSI unit uncovered." ... "About 2 to 3 weeks earlier, the home on Briarcrest Trail was also burglarized. The intruder(s) also went undetected and stole a flat screen TV and several cameras and camcorders. The police have not made any progress in this case."  (Source:  NBCA Watch email forwarded by Robin & Willis)

Robbery on Lone Star Trail (off Chamblee Tucker Road) ... People backed into the carport, smashed in the door, and took small appliances and her jewelry box.  (Source:  Email forwarded by Sharon)

"On Feb 12th about 11:30 pm my friend who lives off of L'ville Hwy behind Home Depot was broken into while she was taking a bath upstairs  The robbers literally broke down her front door.  They made a lot of noise, my friend's attic is accessed from her master bath, so she chose to hide in the attack all night--she was sooo scared.  Her cell phone was being charged downstairs and she had no land line.  When she finally went down stairs at about 5am, her entire door frame was torn off with the door off its hinges. Her purse and its contents were all gone, her brief case including her laptop were gone.  Her car keys were sitting right by her purse but they were not taken, her car was still in the driveway, also, her cell phone was still in the charger close to where her purse was.  To her knowledge nothing else was taken.  To date, no credit cards have been used, nor has there been any attempts to withdraw funds from her checking or savings account."  (Source:  NBCA Watch email forwarded by Robin & Willis)

Message from family that lives at corner of Cravey Drive and Varner Drive, robbed on 2/13/09:  "... 11:30am, car backed in to carport, and a HOLE was kicked in to our door!! They stole some jewelry and a television. We were very fortunate that the dog was not harmed and that we were not home. For this to be our second burglary in less than 2 years, I am comforted in seeing that this time, the locks held, and that they had to work hard on the door to kick it in and crawl through the hole that they had created. But it is scary to see the level of desperation that people seem to be reaching. Luckily, 2 neighbors were very observant and were able to catch a glimpse of the individuals as well as their car. An African American male and an African American heavy set female in a silver Toyota Camry with no plates."  (Source:  Homeowner Jamie via Shenandoahvalley Yahoo group)

Message from family on Cosmos Drive (approx. halfway between Flair Knoll Drive and the Cosmos cul-de-sac):  "... 2/20, we were the victims of burglary. It happened between 1:30 and 2:30. My husband had come home to walk our dog and then went back to the office. When he returned an hour later, the carport door was open and our valuable electronics were gone. The theives kicked in the door, ripping the door frame. The stole our big flat sceen TV, ipod and bose "dock" speaker, digital camera, a laptop and  desktop computers,  a BB gun (they probably thought it was a shotgun). They took the DVR remote but were unable to get the DVR and stereo system due to the way it's hooked up.  All of those components were hanging off the shelves by the cords. None of our neighbors were home at the time. I believe our home was an easy target.  We have a carport instead of a garage, plus it does not face the street. We usually leave a radio on during the day, but yesterday, did not have it on. Be aware! The alarm was not set. The police arrived in about 30 minutes."  (Source:  NBCA Watch email)

February 2009

Various neighborhoods

(Henderson Park entrance north, Thornbriar Road, Thornridge Drive, Northbrook Drive, Evansdale Elementary area)

Mail thefts

Report mail theft:

Office of Inspector General USPS website.

"... two items stolen from my mailbox.  I reported to postal inspector and was told that they concentrate their efforts on areas where thefts are reported.  I'd urge the three neighbors whose mail was also stolen to report the theft so that the postal people will get to our area and investigate ..."

Henderson Park entrance ... A concerned neighbor noticed pile of papers and envelopes stacked up on the curb near the Henderson Park gate approximately 12:30pm on 2/9/09 ..."it appeared that most were addresses on Thornridge Drive, and were taken out of even numbered mailboxes. It appeared that the bills were left unopened, but the opened ones included quite a variety--most of the contents missing. There were birthday cards to someone--the cards were there but the contents (?) and envelopes missing, medical statements, someone's social security envelope with the social security statement missing, a brown padded envelope that I later learned contained a video game--there were probably about 50 pieces of mail. I got the few names from envelopes that I could and went around to the people on Thornridge Drive to let them know I had found their stolen mail. What became apparent as I went to these houses was that there were other mailboxes (also on the even no. side) whose mailbox doors were open and nothing in the mailboxes--and nobody home. I took the mail over to the Doraville P.O. and left it with the Postmaster and now it will have to go to their Investigation Department ..."

"... gold colored van with about 4 young Hispanic men drove by my house (Northbrook Dr.) around 11a.m. and attempted to steal my mail .. men drove away quickly when they noticed observant neighbor watching ...Northbrook also has had several houses hit with someone stealing anything copper and 1 house was broken into ..."

(Source:  Various neighborhood email notices)

1/25/09

Northlake Creek & Chelsea Commons neighborhoods

(near Henderson & Brockett Rd intersection)

Mail theft

"Lots of mail was strewed all over the street on Northrup Drive and Northlake Creek Drive.
Most of the mail was for [2 homeowners] in the Chelsea Commons condos across LaVista on Brockett.  Some financial documents were opened and several mail was unopened.  One opened 1099 report, for a neighbor in this neighborhood, was also found. One of those that found the mail reports that the mail wasn't there at 6:50 am in the morning, but it was there by 7:20 am  We called the police and made report.   The people who are victims also need to file
reports.  Police have several reports for Tucker neighborhoods with mail theft including IRS reports and tax refunds.  The police at first said they would pick up, then said for us to take to post office."  (Source: Jack, Northlake Creek neighbor)

Jan 2009

Northlake Mall area

Catalytic converter robberies

"we have  been warned at work of a high number of incidences of catalytic converter robberies in the Northlake Mall area. Supposedly a white unmarked van pulls next to a parked vehicle and using the van as a cover, cuts off the converter."  (Source: Evans Road neighbor)

12/30/08

Riderwood Dr./Hunting Hill Ln.

(near Lavista Road

Pangborn Road)

House Vandalized

House at corner of Riderwood Drive and Hunting Hill was vandalized last week.  Information has been requested on investigation from DeKalb Police contacts.  (Source: Briarcliff Woods Neighborhood Watch)

12/21/08

Sims Court

(near Lavista Road

Lawrenceville Hwy)

Home Break-In

Neighborhood Watch Block Captain reports:  "The burglar kicked in the back door and ransacked the home.  A single lady lives there and unfortunately, even when she's home, it looks like no one is ever there unless her car is in the carport.  Please make sure your homes look "lived in" by leaving on lights in your carport, in the house, etc."  (Source: Sims Court/Carson Valley Neighborhood Watch email; Forwarded by Henderson Road area neighbor)

11/30/08

3AM

Terramar Drive

(off Chamblee Tucker Road)

Hooray for DeKalb Police

"This is from a neighbor on Terramar about an incident that happened this morning.  As you may already know, Dekalb County PD arrested someone on Terramar Dr early this morning (@ 3:00AM).  An alert neighbor observed a suspicious person entering vehicles and called 911.  Dekalb County PD responded quickly and were able to capture the suspect in a driveway of another house.  It also turns out that the suspect had tried to break into the garage of the same house he was captured in front of.  Earlier on today, what is believed to be the suspect's parked vehicle was recovered; parked in the street not too far from where the suspect was arrested.  The vehicle is an older model blue/green Toyota with noticeable damage to the rear (no license  plate, only an expired paper driveout tag in the rear window.  The vehicle had additional property in it which is believed to be stolen.  The only description I have been able to gather from neighbors so far is that the suspect was an adult aged African-American male wearing a dark colored hoodie.  I was not around and have not had a chance to speak with police or the detective; however, it is my understanding that Detective G. Buynoski (404-294-2813) is involved in the investigation and had been out and talked with some of the neighbors.  I was wondering if you had any contacts or any way of sending any e-mails out to any surrounding neighborhoods to have them check their vehicles to make sure that nothing was stolen over night, especially if their vehicles were unlocked (may not have used their vehicle today and noticed theft; suspect even closed trunk of one vehicle he entered and shut the doors back.  It is important to let Dekalb PD know of any other thefts overnight so that they can be linked to the suspect if he is the one that committed them.  I was also told that there is possibly a video of someone committing a theft on Townley Cir; and if so, maybe we could get it to Dekalb to see if it is the same person.  Let me know of anything else I can do to assist."  (Source: Email forwarded by Tom / Steve to hendersonroad.com mailbox)

Note:  Video from 11/10/08 Townley Circle incident has been given to Police by homeowner.  Case number assigned

11/17-11/18/08

Castleridge Court

(off Midvale Road)

11/16/08

during week

Smoketree Road

(Leslie Drive/Henderson Mill Rd)

Drug Raid

"My parents live on Smoketree Road off of Leslie Drive.  DeKalb police raided the home across the street from them one day last week.  Three people were arrested on drug related charges.  The home was being rented by what were thought to be a couple of college students.  Marijuana and a large amount of cash were recovered from the house.  Apparently earlier in the day DeKalb police also raided another home in a nearby neighborhood for drugs as well.  That house was apparently the lead house for the drugs and the Smoketree house was one of the distributors.  Needless to say, my parents were surprised to look out the window and see the street filled with police cars and to find out what was going on."  (Source:  Woods of Henderson Neighborhood Watch)

11/10/08

3AM

Townley Circle

(off Evans Road)

Video and screen shots of intruder lurking around Evans Road neighborhood.  Please contact the police if you can identify him.

All:  On Monday November 10 at 3am, our carport security video camera did its job. The video shows the intruder clearly on the lookout for something to take (note the bag). If you know this person, or know where he lives, please contact the police. It's been reported to officer LA Maxwell who also has this video; case 08-152849. If you're interested in this kind of camera for your property, it can be found at Sam's Club for about $100. Video and light are motion activated. I'm happy to answer questions about installation. Stay aware!  Brad  (Source:  Brad of Townley Circle neighborhood, Embry Hills Neighborhood Watch)

11/25/08 Update from Brad:  Please be sure to have any sightings of this guy called into 911, with case number of 08-152849.  Detective Danner is on it.

Click here for screen shots from video.  If you'd like to see the video, please email info@hendersonroad.com and we'll forward you a copy.  For bandwidth purposes, we haven't posted the video.  The video is playable on Microsoft Media Player http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.mspx

10/16/08

PM

Gleneagles Drive

(off Henderson Road)

10/12/08

9PM

Greystone Cove South

(Evans Road/Henderson Mill Rd)

Three residents mugged in front of their house.

On Sunday evening, October 12, 2008 at 9:00 PM three residents near Greystone Cove South in the Greystone North subdivision were mugged in front of their house.  The three victims arrived home to find a large trashcan blocking the driveway forcing a passenger to get out of the car.  Two men came out of hiding to ambush her and snatched her purse.  The two men then opened the doors of the car and took the purses of the other passenger and driver, and ran off toward the neighborhood entrance where a black/dark old Mercedes was parked.  The attackers were two skinny African American men wearing dark clothing.  Please report any suspicious activity to the police immediately by calling 911.  It is suspected by the family that the attackers may have targeted other households by riding through the neighborhood looking for homes to target.  (Source:  Greystone North Neighborhood Watch)

10/7/08

Night

Embry Hills Dr, Embry Cir

Reports of six cars in area entered, and items taken.  Purse found after being discarded, money taken from console, and wallet taken with attempt to buy gas at 2:00 am.  Residents have seen a white car moving slowly in the area on several occasions.  Residents believe they have someone casing the neighborhood on a frequent basis.  (Source:  Embry Hills Neighborhood Watch)

10/4/08

6PM-11PM

First Avenue

(off Main Street)

"Condo located on First Avenue off Main Street.  Rear door which was deadbolted kicked in sometime between 6PM and 11PM.  42 inch plasma stolen from living room...even bothered to get the remote.  Bedroom ransacked.  Entire contents of a 4 foot jewelry chest removed.  Many diamonds, opals, collectors pieces from Europe, one of a kind cameos, diamond tennis bracelet, Tucker High School ring from 1937, Tucker High School ring from 1968, Masonic ring, many items were of sentimental value also.  $5000 in cash stolen.  Taurus 38 pistol with laser sight.  Two passports stolen.  Police took two hours to respond, took a report and that's that!  No fingerprinting, no nothing!  Ain't it great to live in DeKalb County!!"  ... "They also broke into the adjacent condo and stole a twelve gauge shotgun.  Pried open the back door with a crow bar which they left on the property"  (Email sent by Tucker neighbor)

10/2/08 5PM, 10/6/08

AM

Tucker 1st Methodist Church

(off LaVista Road)

"Last Thursday at approximately 5:00 I discovered that my white panel van had been vandalized. It was parked by the Tucker 1st Methodist Church BBQ shed. The driver’s side window had been broken and the ignition wiring harness had been cut and it appeared that someone had attempted to hot wire the ignition. I called the police and after almost four hours someone called me back. A mechanic friend of mine and I attempted unsuccessfully to reconnect the ignition switch so I could relocate the van.

I checked on the truck Friday morning just before noon to find that no other damage had been done.

This morning (Monday) upon arrival during my routine check of the campus, I noticed that the right side window and windshield had been broken. It appeared that a further attempt to hot wire the ignition had been made.  I also noticed pieces of roofing shingles on the ground around my panel van and the TFUMC van next to it. That TFUMC van had pieces of shingles on its roof.  When looking for a source of the shingles I noticed that the peak of the BBQ shed appeared to be missing shingles. I had the truck towed about noon today. I then went to the Activities Center to check on the custodians and Leo told me that on Friday afternoon he had observed several youth on top of the BBQ shed. He said that they were dressed like some of the kids who play basketball at the Wesley Center.

I am willing to offer a 100.00 reward for the capture of the culprit(s). My mechanic friend, who runs a commercial truck dealership informs me that the repairs will exceed 2000.00."

(Email from Tucker neighbor, John)  Contact info@hendersonroad.com if you have any info.

9/23/08

AM

Tucker WalMart

"I want to tell you about what happened to me at the Walmart in Tucker this morning. I was there by myself and was putting two bags in the back of my car. It's a Pilot so it has the hatchback. The next thing I knew, there was this guy standing right next to me. He was an older white guy- dressed in business casual clothes, but wearing a red baseball cap. I assume he either followed me from the store or was watching me from his car. He said hello and then asked if I was done shopping- and then said, "if you're going home, can I go with you?" I was completely freaked out by this point and closed the hatchback- not even worrying about whacking him in the head, but he stepped aside. I went to move around him to get to the driver side and he stepped to the side so he was back in front of me.  I realized that all the doors were unlocked and he could get into the car if he wanted, but if I locked them, I would be locked out. So I scrambled around the back of the car, got in the passenger seat and locked the doors. Then I crawled over the middle and got in the driver seat- only to realize that he was standing next to the driver's door, waving at me through the window. I started the car and decided I would just run over his feet or knock him down if I had to, but he moved and by the time I backed out, he was gone. I saw him get into a tan, older American car, but I couldn't see the license plate- and I did not want to start following him. I was so rattled that I drove a roundabout way getting home, in case he was following me. I realize now that I should have gone next door to the Tucker police station, but I didn't even think of it at the time.  I'm not going to that Walmart by myself again."

Tips from the woman's neighbor - "I asked her to contact the Tucker Precinct tomorrow and file a report.  Other options if something similar happens to you:
- Set your car alarm off.  It's sure to get everyone's attention and that's the last thing a perpetrator wants.
- Run back toward the store yelling.
- Drive to the nearest police station in case you are being followed.
- Try to be aware when you are loading your vehicle.  Don't get so distracted that you don't notice someone approaching you.
Luckily, this neighbor did keep her wits and was able to safely get into her car and get away.  She even has an pretty good description of the guy and his car.  It would have been great if she'd gotten the license plate number.  (Source:  Email forwarded by Henderson Road neighbors)

9/22/08

AM

Henderson Park

"I wanted to  send out information on a little incident today at Henderson Park. I  was walking with one of my girlfriends this AM and we were past the tennis courts and close to the soccer fields when we encountered a naked African American male. Luckily my friend saw him and we turned and ran out as fast as we could. Luckily, a lady happened to be driving in her car and stopped when she heard us yelling. I called the police and they did a wonderful job. They were there in 5 minutes. My friend gave them a great description and they actually found him within 20 minutes. They did arrest him and take him to jail. I will have more information once I obtain the report. When the police found him he was wearing a towel and to-shirt. He told the police he went into a garage and approached the male homeowner who gave him these clothes. I would hope no one would do this without actually calling 911. The officer wanted me to get this out to everyone and remind them that the more watchful we are of things like this the quicker they can find someone. Please remember although we have a great neighborhood the park is not too safe!!! I have grown up on Thornbriar and this was way too close to home!!!!

9/27/08 Update:  Police report details indicate the 19 year old male from Stone Mt. told police he was just released from jail on burglary charges and had walked down street to Livsey Court where resident gave him shirt and towel, ... and reporting officer speculated possible mental illness.  (Source:  Email forwarded by Henderson Road neighbor)

9/16/08

PM

Peppermint Court

(off Henderson Road)

Robbery:  Candy Heights Neighborhood Watch reports - My neighbor on Peppermint Court was robbed at gun point last evening (9/16) at around 8:00 pm in her garage.  She had just arrived home when the perpetrator walked into the garage, pointed a gun at her before she had a chance to exit her vehicle, and asked for her purse and phone.  He told her he would leave the phone at the bottom of her driveway next to the mailbox, which he did.  He was a 20 something black male of medium height and build, clean shaven, short hair and very polite.  Thankfully, she gave him the items and he did not harm her.  She does not think he followed her home, so that means he was probably waiting.  The police came and took the information. Watch out.  (Source:  Tucker Notices Yahoo Group)

9/14/08

PM

LaVista Woods Drive

(off LaVista Drive)

9/9/08

Daytime

8/31/08

11:45AM

Flowers Road /

Mercer University Drive

"We just called the police due to two young black males stealing gas cans out of neighbors carports and on the sides of the houses. My husband managed to take two pictures of them before they realized they were getting their pictures taken. They ran into the Park Point North apartments off of Flowers Rd and Mercer University Drive. The police are on their way out right now." ... "It's a shame but once we uploaded the pictures we realized that we did not get a face shot of either one. My husband was driving, they were walking. The male has a goatee and a mustache. My husband got a really good look at him before they started running." ..."  The police showed up very fast for something this minor. From the time my husband called me as he was leaving our house to tell me he saw someone coming out of our neighbor's carport to the police knocking on our door was about 15 minutes. We handed the officer an 8X11 copy of both pictures. I have no idea if they were caught or if there was a car waiting.  I did go ahead and send an email to the apartment manager via the contact form on their website to let them know of the situation ..."  (Source:  Tucker Notices Yahoo Group)

8/23/08

PM

NEW

- Mall Kiosk Owner Closes Store After Robbery

- DeKalb Police Search for Northlake Mall Robbery Suspects

- Police Capture Suspect in Northlake Mall Robbery

Click here for TV story (and click on sidebar stories)

See 7/22/08 entry also.

Landeau Circle

(off Midvale Road)

7/26/08

AM

Bolero Pass

(off Henderson Mill Road)

"Our automobiles parked in the garage were broken into last night. We have been leaving the garage door cracked about two feet up to give the dog easy access in and out...someone used the crack to roll under the garage door and rifle through the unlocked cars.  Our primary losses include a briefcase, corporate credit card, laptop computer, and mobile gps unit. The few tools and yard equipment in the garage were left untouched.  We've called the police and are filing an incident report.  Please alert the neighborhood. There are folks out there looking for opportunities to steal. We, unfortunately, had gotten a little complacent in our normally safe haven and provided them with one."  (Source:  Woods of Henderson  Neighborhood Watch)

7/22/08

11 AM 

7/7/08

AM

Bolero Drive

(off Henderson Mill Road)

Details:
This morning, [homeowners] were packing the kids up for their respective camps and walking around our two cars in the driveway when two teenaged boys walked past our driveway, heading out of the development.  We wouldn't have thought much of it, except they seemed to be taking great interest in our activity and [homeowner] noticed that they were sitting on the side steps of the middle school as we drove away at 8:30 am.  At 8:45 am, [homeowner] got a call from our alarm company, saying that our house alarm had been triggered.  We called [our neighbors] and asked them to keep an eye out for these two boys that we'd seen earlier.  Unfortunately, the police did not arrive at our house until 9:05 am, a full 20 minutes after the alarm system call.  The officers secured the perimeter and discovered that our back door had been kicked in and was ajar.  Fortunately, it does not appear that the intruder(s) made it into the house, as the 
alarm was triggered instantly.  Although there were several electronic items in the room to which they tried to gain access, these items were undisturbed.  The intruder(s) ended up walking 
through the mud in our backyard, leaving muddy footprints on the door, but not inside the house, providing additional evidence that they did not enter the house.  The police confirmed that the 
intruders were not inside the house at the time of their investigation some 20-30 min after the initial alarm signal.

However, the door was kicked with such force that the "unkickable" deadbolt lock was shattered, with pieces both in and outside of the house, and the glass frame of the door was bent.  We were surprised at the boldness of this action, as both [our two immediate neighbors) were at home at the time of the break-in.  The intruder(s) entered our back yard through our side 
gate.  The door that they kicked in is situated in a way that it cannot be seen easily from either immediate neighbor's yards.  Thus, the intruder(s) were at least savvy enough to try to enter our house through the most secluded point.  We do have an alarm system sign in the front yard and stickers on multiple doors and windows, including on the door that was kicked in.  That was not enough of a deterrent, obviously.

We wanted to alert everyone to this incident ... We were suspicious of these two young boys initially and we are pretty sure that they are the ones that kicked the door in, since it happened within 15 minutes of our departure.  ... (from email of Source:  Woods of Henderson  Neighborhood Watch)  To respect privacy, I've removed the homeowners' names and street number.  - Jenni

6/28/08

10PM

Briarcliff Commons

(Henderson Mill Road & Briarcliff Road)

Mid-June

Peppermint Drive

(off Henderson Road)

6/11/08

after 3 PM

Laurelgate Drive

(off LaVista Road near Frazier Rd.)

Initial and follow up TV news media coverage:

- Duct Taped To Chair, Mom Hops For Help

- Suspects Sought in Home Invasion

- Man Arrested In Connection With Violent Home Invasion  Radio story, TV story  7/8/08

5/28/08

2 AM

King Arthur Circle

(between Briarcliff Rd./Henderson Mill Rd.)

5/13/08

PM

Crestcliff Drive

(between Midvale Rd./

LaVista Roads)

"I cannot say it enough, but with summer coming and the bad economy, it needs to be stressed again. LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS AND LEAVE NOTHING IN THEM. Not only will you be protecting your property, but your whole neighborhood. These are crimes of opportunity, so let's not give them anymore opportunities."  (Source: TuckerNoticesYahoo Group, Anne Lerner, Winding Woods Neighborhood Watch)

5/12/08

Late AM

Regency Drive East

(off Midvale Road)

5/9/08

2 PM

Lake Flair Road

(near Shallowford & Briarcliff Roads

"We want to report that our home was broken into on Friday, 5/9, around 2:15 pm. No one was home at that time but a neighbor reported seeing a black SUV or station wagon parked in the cul-de-sac in front of our house with an Asian male sitting in the car. She waved at him and he waved back and then drove off. She went inside and when she came back out about 10 min. later, the same car was seen driving out of our driveway. When I returned home about an hour later, I could see that someone had pulled open drawers in the master bedroom. Upon further search, I saw that access to the house was gained by forcing open a sliding glass door that opens off the bedroom. A laptop, a jar containing coins and a few pieces of jewelry were taken. Police were called."    (Source:  NBCA Watch)

Also - Tuesday afternoon, May 6, Melinda Drive.  Access through the basement. Electronic items stolen. Two resident dogs did not deter the perpetrators.  (Source:  NBCA Watch)

5/7/08

PM

Northlake Creek Drive/Northlake Creek Court

(off Henderson Road)

5/3/08

AM

Townley Circle (block)

Evans Woods Dr./Evans Dale Circle

(off Evans Road)

4/30/08

AM

4/15/08

9:30am-12:30pm

Greystone Circle/Cove

(Evans Road/Henderson Mill Rd)

The following additional details about the break in were provided by Nestor Y., an area Neighborhood Watch Coordinator:

• A person walking their dog saw something suspicious and called the police;
• Three Black males, ages 17,18 and 19, were caught with the stolen goods at the Lake Louise Apartments parking lot.  It is believed that one of these guys lives in an apartment in the complex.  The police chased (on foot) and caught two of the guys in the parking lot.  The police found the third guy hiding out in an apartment;
• After they parked their car in the far corner of the parking lot, near Evans Road, they walked across the street and entered the [homeowners'] property through a back gate (which fronts Evans Road);
• They broke in through the rear sliding glass door.  They were able to get it unlocked with a tool;
• The items stolen were electronic gaming toys (such as Playstation), gold jewelry, cash and small items which can be stuffed into a backpack.  They tried to take a large TV, but decided it was too much trouble;
• No one was home at the time of the burglary;
• The stolen items were recovered in the trunk of their car and some items were hidden in the woods next to the parking lot;
• They also took car keys for a car which was not in the driveway or garage.  It appears that they were planning to come back at a later time to take the car;

The police did a great job responding to the call and apprehending these guys.  They even called out the helicopter to search for the third suspect.  Police officers from the North Precinct made the arrests.  They later admitted that since this area is on the border between the North Precinct and the Tucker Precinct and they don't patrol it often, they were unfamiliar with the neighborhood.  This is the second major problem we've had with the Lake Louise Apartments.  If you remember about a year ago an off-duty police officer shot and killed a teenager who broke into his apartment."  (Previous incident at Lake Louise was 8/3/06 - click here for TV news coverage. - Jenni)

4/14/08

AM

Northbrook Drive

(off Chamblee Tucker Rd./near Henderson Mill Rd.)

4/8/08

10:45am

Bolero Drive

(located off Henderson Mill Rd)

Update:  "Dearest neighbors - First I wanted to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for your overwhelming support and kindness to this event.  Many of you have gone way beyond the call of duty to help with the response to a neighbor in need.   Additionally, I wanted to let you know that this crime was far greater than we had originally suspected.  It turns out they not only stole the flat screen TV, but approximately $8-10, 000 of other electronics throughout the house.  The reason I share this is that the extent of this crime is far more serious than we thought and more likely that the youth involved are/were more deliberate than suspected.  Please be aware and watchful.  Hopefully the two youth will be found and prosecuted thanks to all the efforts of this wonderful neighborhood.  Laura"  (from email of Source:  Woods of Henderson  Neighborhood Watch)

4/8/08

Noon

Green Rock neighborhood

(located off Evans Road)

Young white male (on a bike or walking it) cutting through the woods behind Allsborough Dr. on lake side wearing blue shorts and gray t-shirt.

Please call the police if you see him and alert all our neighbors."  (Source:  Berkshire Subdivision)

4/5/08

AM

Alton Road even addresses

(between David Rd/Embry Circle)

 " ... received a call this morning from residents on the even side of Alton between David and Embry Circle.  Several unlocked cars had been ransacked and items taken.  [Homeowner] noticed that there were a couple of places where small trees leaned over the wall which would make the backyards more accessible to anyone from the apartments beyond.  [Homeowners] drove over to the apartments.  By a dumpster and one of those Pods storage units they found at least two distinct trails leading to the wall.  In several places they found wooden pallets which had obviously found use as ladders to scale the wall.  [Homeowner] has reported all of this to our ICP officers.  In addition [homeowner] talked to the manager of the apartments.  She was going to walk down to that area and look around for herself.  She said she would also call the ICP officers and ask for their help and advice.  In addition, she would see that the pallets were removed and the trees cut.  We will check back with her in a few days.'  (from email of Source:  Henderson Estates Neighborhood Watch/Embry Hills Neighborhood Watch)

3/25/08

7:00 PM

Greystone Circle/Cove

(off Evans Road)

3/12/08

Daytime

Embry Hills Drive

(located off Embry Circle)

"While walking my dog, a neighbor informed me there was a burglary at [# removed] Embry Hills Dr about 11:00 AM today. The alert neighbor saw a young Hispanic male walking through yards close to where the alarm was going off. The police arrived in 15 minutes, and a description of the male and direction was rendered. The police got him."  (Source:  Embry Hills Neighborhood Watch)

3/2/08 PM-

3/3/08 AM

Belingham Drive/Varner Drive

(near Briarcliff Road/

Henderson Mill Road)

2/26/08

Daytime

Spring Meadow Court

(near Norcross Tucker Road/Pleasantdale Road)

Mercedes Drive

(near Oak Grove Road/

Briarcliff Road)

2/4/08

4:15pm

Prestwick Drive area

(off Henderson Road)

"This may seem like a small incident, but it is frustrating. We live on Prestwick. At 4:15 pm today (Monday) two white male teens with brown hair knocked our mailbox off the stand.  They were driving a 2 tone brown Chevy S-10 probably a 90s model.  Tag number starts with WFY or WVY. They got out of the truck, to pick up the pieces and tried to drive over it again. Our neighbor yelled at them and they left.  My guess is that ours is not the only mailbox to be smashed."  (Source:  Neighborhood notice forwarded by Pete J.)

1/14/08

Morning

Melinda Court

(near intersection of Shallowford/Briarcliff Roads)

1/22/08

Morning

Prestwick Drive

(off Henderson Road)

12/31/07

2:30am

Midvale Road/Norwich

"On December 31st around 2:30 a.m., a mailbox on Midvale Road was blown-up with some form of an in cinerary device. I do not have the exact address, but the home sits across from Norwich Road. It is for sale and sits next to the lot that is for sale. A Winding Woods neighbor was told that if anyone has any information regarding this incident to please call Det. D.E. Oak #2199 at 770-724-7817 or cell 404-867-2095. That's all we know right now. (Source: TuckerNoticesYahoo Group, Anne Lerner, Winding Woods Neighborhood Watch)

12/10/07

Evening

Embry Circle

(located off Henderson Mill Rd)

12/7/07

7:30am

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church

(Lavista Road)

12/4

-12/5/07

between 10pm  & 6am

Bonaparte Drive

(off Chamblee Tucker)

12/5/07

Northlake/Tucker shopping parking lots

11/27/07

LaVista Road in Tucker

(near Henderson Road and

Brockett Road)

"Realtors Warned After Sexual Attack"

Click here for news story.

November 2007

Neighbors,

A few weeks ago, my neighbor on Briarglen Dr.was at Wal Mart shopping. He was approached by a young man in his 20's, who gave the story that he had just had surgery and could not lift boxes. He asked my neighbor who is in his 80's to help him get a box off of the shelf. Well, being the helpful person he is, my neighbor reached up to get the box and while doing so, the young man "bumped" him. Later on, my neighbor discovered his wallet missing which had in it his credit cards, bank receipts, and a large sum of cash as he had just made a bank withdrawal. 

Long and short of the story, this jerk targeted my elderly neighbor and took advantage of his kindness and helpfulness. Wal Mart was very helpful in looking with the police at surveillance video, but could not get a real clear front picture of the guy. My neighbor has been concerned and distressed ever since that the guy who took his wallet also has his banking info and home address. 

Please remember to call the police on suspicious persons, especially this time of year. We are near Briarglen Ct. and I certainly hope this person was not looking for my neighbor's house. After the initial incident, tried to console my neighbor and tell him that most crooks are opportunists and take the quick and easy way to steal something and most would not "follow up" with a break in at a person's home. He expressed this concern to the police numerous times and the told him to make sure all of his neighbors are aware and keep an eye out on his home. We all need to be very watchful of each other. Who knows this day and time what these guys will do.

11/13/07

10:30am

Townley Circle

(off Evans Road)

(Source: Email forwarded by Henderson Road neighbor Pete J. and neighbor Phil C.)

11/13/07

1:30 pm

Terramar Court

(cul-de-sac street between Chamblee Tucker Road and Gladney Drive)

(Source: Email forwarded by Henderson Road neighbor Pete J. and neighbor Phil C.)

Hambersham Subdivision

(located off Chamblee Tucker Road, near Embry Hills Shopping Center)

(Source: TuckerNoticesYahoo Group)

"Yesterday (13 November 2007) one of our neighbors on Bloxham Court, came home from vacation to find they had been broken into sometime within this past week.

The assailant(s) entered through a downstairs window (wooded area at the back of their house), breaking through the double-pained glass (not easily done!). They (presumed plural, but unknown) went through the house, rifling drawers and closets everywhere. Ended-up stealing a small safe containing the homeowner's fine jewelry (including engagement ring, etc.) and small, easily sold/pawned, quick-cash items. They went though, but left behind prescription medications
and consumed while there, a half bottle of cognac.

Quite obviously this was pull-off by inexperienced burglars, most likely youth/teenagers. The police were able to obtain several, very well defined finger prints. It is also presumed by their thoroughness, this/these assailant(s) knew the owners were not there and weren't coming home anytime soon.

Obviously we are in 'this' season once again. This type of activity always seems to elevate just before the holidays. Please make an extra effort to take care of your own property. Lock your doors/windows, cars and garages everyday. Be sure your homes are secure and especially, when you are driving through the neighborhood, keep an eye out for suspicious activity. There was another report I
heard last night, of a woman/girl knocking on peoples' doors this past weekend, asking if they needed their gutters cleaned. It is recommended that you kindly advise them that there is NO door-to-door soliciting in your neighborhood (without a county issued permit) and that you will be calling the police to advise of their activity. This very well could have been legitimate, but also could very well
be someone casing the neighborhood. Strange vehicles and/or pedestrians going though the neighborhood need to be observed and noted (description, time & date). We all need to watch-out for our own families, but also for each other.

Be safe, remain alert and have a Happy Thanksgiving!"

Mac McElroy
Nottaway Neighborhood Watch

11/12/07

Afternoon

Alton Road

(between Chamblee Tucker Rd. and Mercer Univ. Drive)

Lakeside High area

(Briarcliff Road area)

10/8/07

Henderson Road

(between Henderson Way and Cardinal Drive)

10/8/07

Neighborhoods along

Evans Road, Midvale Road, Henderson Road, Fellowship/Idlewood Roads

Report of black male, 5'3", wearing a white shirt and maroon tie attempting door to door sales of magazines.  DeKalb Police responded and checked id.  He didn't have a permit for door to door sales which is against county ordinance.  It's reported the officer warned/asked him not to continue sales. Another incident occurred with young, black female meeting homeowner at end of driveway.  (Source: TuckerNoticesYahoo Group)

9/26-

9/27/07

between 10pm  & 6am

Briarcliff Commons

(Henderson Mill Road & Briarcliff Way)

9/19/07

6:30am

Briarcliff Commons

(Henderson Mill Road & Briarcliff Way)

9/18/07

Daytime

Briarlake Trace

(between Briarlake & Briarcliff Roads)

Armed robbery by 3 men.  There were two people at home--one on the main floor and the woman upstairs in a bedroom.  The dogs were barking; the woman called down for the man to feed the dogs.  He walked to the kitchen and was hit over the head when the men came from the basement where they gained access by breaking a window.  They tied the man up and asked if anyone else was home. He said no, but then female occupant called out to see what was wrong.  Male occupant said, "we're being robbed" before they put duct tape on his mouth and eyes.   Female occupant locked the bedroom door and called police.  One of the robbers went upstairs and kicked in the bedroom door  and threw her to the floor. They took electronics, computer and jewelry.  They roughed up male occupant before leaving.  (Email forwarded to Source:  Woods of Henderson Neighborhood Watch)

9/15/07

1:30pm

Henderson Park

(between Henderson Rd/

Livsey Rd)

Car break-in the Henderson Park parking lot closest to the playground.  The main entrance is off from Livsey Road, past the soccer fields and around down a wooded road to get to the playground/lake
area/hiking trails. Car owner mentions that ... Unfortunately, you cannot see your car from the playground/lake area so that is, I am sure, an attraction to the thieves.
My brother is a DeKalb County Police officer and he told me lots of robberies have been occurring in our area ... not just at Henderson Park. He told me the
thieves were probably watching from the woods and saw that I left w/o my purse.  (Source:  TuckerNoticesYahoo Group)

9/11/07

reported

Northlake Kroger

LaVista Road

(Source:  Various Neighborhood association email groups)

Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 6:48:53 PM
Subject: [MothersandMoreDekalb] Please Read this Email Re: Northlake Area

Hi, all. This message came over my email from another mom's group I belong to. It's a little nerve wracking.

Subject: [Leafmore90] Northlake Kroger Abduction Attempt

Please see the following msg that was forwarded to me today from my son's former teacher at OGYCS. The msg is from Henderson Mill Elementary Principal, Rebecca Jackson.

Dear Faculty and Staff,
A parent of one of our students reported to me this morning that two men approached her son at the Northlake Kroger and tried to get him to go with them. (Somehow they became separated for a few minutes while shopping.) The parent reported this to the police and did get the license plate number on the men's car. Please talk with your students about keeping themselves safe by not talking to strangers.

Thanks,
Dr. Jackson

8/18/07

10:00 PM

Greenbrook Way

(between Briarlake & Briarcliff Roads)

Report of forced entry and robbery:  Two black males kicked in door, tied up the occupants, and robbed the home.

(Source:  Shenandoah Valley Neighborhood Watch)

8/8/07

Night

Greystone Circle/Cove

(off Evans Road)

Money taken from unlocked auto parked in driveway.  Another car was stolen.  Details not known at this time if car locked or unlocked.  Police contacted.

(Source: Greystone North subdivision)

8/6/07

2:00 PM

8/6/07

2:00 AM

Regal Way

(located off Henderson Road)

8/2/07

Early afternoon

Leslie Drive

(off Henderson Mill Rd.)

6/18/07

Late Afternoon

Regal Way

(Henderson Road)

Bolero Pass

(Henderson Mill Road)

Around 6:00 pm, two young white males wearing blue shirts and khaki pants were going door to door in the Regal Forest Neighborhood.  A Neighborhood Block Captain coming home stopped and asked the men for more information.  One man showed a clipboard of the Tucker/Northlake area with various areas circled where "they" would be doing home repair/renovations work and wanted to advise/apologize  to any neighbors for the noise.  He indicated that he was not selling anything but with "Vantage" Marketing company and showed a sheet with company logos for home related products.  He could not show a county issued permit badge, only a "homemade looking' badge with his name and photo.  He indicated an off duty police officer had stopped him earlier, looked at the badge, and indicated he was ok without a permit.  Block Captain called 911 and reported to Police.  (Source:  Regal Forest Neighborhood Watch)

On Monday, 6/18/07 around 5:45 pm, homeowner reports gentleman came to door offering Home Renovations.  Shortly after homeowner turned him away, DeKalb Police were out interviewing him on the Bolero Pass cul-de-sac.  (Source:  Woods of Henderson Neighborhood Watch)

6/13/07

Night

Greystone Circle

(off Evans Road)

Digital camera, passport, keys, garage remote taken from auto parked in driveway.  Details not known at this time if car locked or unlocked.

(Source: Greystone North subdivision)

6/10/07 PM - 6/11/07 AM

Winbrooke Lane

(corner off Winbrooke Lane / Crestcliff Drive)

License plate stolen from vehicle.  (Source: Winding Woods Neighborhood Watch)

6/10/07

Daytime

Bolero Drive

(off Henderson Mill Road)

Homeowner reports 3 teenagers (2 black males, 1 black female) tried to steal a bike from the garage.  Nearby neighbor observed what was happening and contacted the homeowner to close the garage.    Bike was dropped and recovered.

(Source: Woods of Henderson Neighborhood Watch)

5/11/07

Daytime

Woburn Drive / Brockett Meadows

(located near Lawrenceville

Hwy and Brockett Road)

A neighbor returned home from work Friday to find a broken window. (She did have the house locked up, and the alarm was on but the motion sensor was
not activated because of her pets.) She and police looked carefully, but at first found nothing missing. Later she heard a pair of youths had been seen walking through the neighborhood with a computer. She searched again, and realized that a computer and some jewelry were missing. Has reported this new info to the police to upgrade the crime report to "burglary"

(Source: Tucker Notices Yahoo group)

4/6/07

Pine Grove subdivision off of Northlake Parkway

(located between LaVista Road and Lawrenceville Hwy)

3/6/07

8pm

Embry Hills Shopping Center / Rose Arbor subdivision

(located near Chamblee Tucker Road/Northcrest Road)

3/5/07

11am

Briarcliff Village

(located near intersection of Briarcliff and Henderson Mill Roads)

2/12/07

Terri Lynn Court

(located off near Northlake Pkwy & Lawrenceville Hwy)

February 2007

Briarcliff & Shallowford Roads

"In response to the info about suspicious door-to-door magazine sellers, there have been lots of responses of similar experiences lately, some selling magazines, some selling children's books.

Another thread runs through many of the reports ... the seller tells the occupant that his mother lives in the neighborhood.  Sometimes he either gives a first name for his mother (which is not recognized) and sometimes he names a street that is a couple streets away.  Asked once for his mother's last name, a seller left.  He sometimes says that the books he's "selling" are going to be donated to a children's hospital, which he cannot name.  There are never any samples.  This is happening in the middle of the day.

On Sunset Drive, a neighbor has more than twice over the last months had a young man (~24) come to the door after dark (~7:45pm), indicating he "was our neighbor from 2494" without any street name, and had to "sell just 2 more subscriptions to meet his quota" but a cash donation would suffice.  The seller was freezing cold but seemed clean. 

There are varied possibilities for the intent of these "salesman".  Maybe they are looking for unoccupied houses to enter.  Or maybe they're being dropped off the neighborhood to see what money they can easily garner from too-trusting people.  Or both.  So far, they've just been a nuisance, but we need to be alert.  The next time you talk to your neighbors who may not be on e-mail, be sure to let them know about that they need to be alert to this kind of thing.

Source:  North Briarcliff Civic Assn Watch 2/7/07

DeKalb Police - Center Precinct issued a community alert concerning Solicitors in the area of Briarcliff & Shallowford Roads:  "there has been criminal incidents reported involving these solicitors.  This is just an alert to advise you of what information has been relayed to the Police Department."

Source:  Shenandoah Valley Yahoo Group 2/9/07

Homeowner reported a magazine salesman knocked on door saying he was new in the neighborhood and wanted to meet everybody.  Homeowner called 911, and officer responded.  The man was already making a sale to nearby neighbor.  The officer stopped the man who had no id and said he was from Texas.  Homeowner is waiting to hear back from Police officer on further details regarding this incident and possible warrants and tickets in other states.  A full size white Dodge passenger van was involved in incident."

Source:  Midvale Road neighbor 2/10/07

Beware of scammers nearby

Source:  Tucker Notices Yahoo Group

2/2/07

Evening

Regal Way

(located off Henderson Road)

1/29/07

9:10am

Palace Court (cul-de-sac area)

(located off Henderson Road)

Peppermint Drive

(located off Henderson Road)

Three incidents reported by homeowners:  (1) Cars gone through, and nothing was taken.  Police called.  (2) Contents of glove compartment and center storage area  were gone through and placed in seat of car.  Nothing was taken even though expensive binoculars and CDs were in car.  Block Captain suggested also notifying Police if occurs again.  (3)  Cars broken into with only loose change taken.

1/27/07

overnight

Updated

Allsborough Drive

(located off Henderson Road)

Through the hendersonroad.com mailbox, it's learned that three neighbors have had their cars gone through, and items stolen.  Police reports not filed.

1/21/07-1/22/07

overnight

Woodcreek Court

(between Midvale Road/Lavista Road)

Morgan Road

(between Henderson Road/ Chamblee-Tucker Road)

Northlake Creek subdivision

(off Henderson Rd. via Morgan Rd.)

Morgan Rd. homeowner reports car was broken into overnight.  This is second occurrence with first occurrence in 11/2006.

Northlake Creek homeowner reports several cars (maybe as many as 10) ransacked in subdivision.  None of the cars were locked.  Mostly loose change was taken, and some tools from two cars.

1/18/07

night

Hugh Howell Road

(Tucker, GA)

Click here for news story, "Jewelry Store Gunfight Leaves Robber Wounded"

1/15/07

overnight

Crestcliff Drive

(located between Midvale and La Vista Roads)

1/10/07

overnight

Empire Forest

(located off Midvale Road across from Empire Square)

1/9/07,

1/13/07

overnight

Empire Square

(located off Midvale Road)

(1/9/07) Three unlocked cars were rifled through with wallet stolen from one of the vehicles.

(1/13/07) Construction trailer parked for several months in driveway of empty house was broken into, and $1000 worth of tools were stolen.  The owner feels professionals, not teenagers on a lark, were involved as the lock was sawn open.  (Stolen tools will  be reported to DeKalb Police.)  Next door neighbor heard noise but thought his roommate was returning home.  The next AM, he discovered his own storage shed door open.  No items reported stolen.

1/13/07

overnight

Lavista Woods Drive

(located between Midvale and La Vista Roads)

Update (1/15/07):  Through the hendersonroad.com mailbox, it's learned that a new TV and cash/gift cards were some of the items taken.  Incident is under investigation by PD.

1/7/07-1/8/07

overnight

Landeau Circle

(located off Midvale Road)

12/30/06

2-2:30pm

mid-Dec. 2006

Around 3am

Galangale Way

Ranlo Drive / Evans Road

(all streets located off Evans Road near Chamblee Tucker Road)

Home was broken into, and several items including a TV, laptop, financial information were taken.

One mailbox on Ranlo, and two mailboxes on Evans were knocked over.  (Source:  Henderson Estates Neighborhood Watch)

12/27/06

Overnight

Lavista Woods Drive,

Norwich Drive

(both streets located between Midvale and La Vista Roads)

12/21/06

between 10am to 2pm

Aspen Court

(located off Henderson Road)

12/20/06

after 9 pm

12/13/06

10am to 2pm

11/19/06

3:15pm

2-tone truck - gray or light blue with a stripe down the side GMC style model with a winch on the front.

(Source:  Tucker Notices)

Update (11/20/06):  Through the hendersonroad.com mailbox, we have a lead regarding the man/van from an area neighbor.  Information has been forwarded to the homeowner.

11/17/06

2:00am

Palace Court (cul-de-sac area)

(located off Henderson Road)

11/2006

Northlake/Tucker

(West Exchange Place)

Click here for news media story, "Break-Ins Upset Gym Customers".

11/2006

Cravey Drive

(off Briarcliff Road)

Also recently reported:  Box of checks stolen out of mailbox on Cravey Drive.  Police notified.  Thieves opened credit card account and ordered goods on internet.

10/25/06

11:00-11:30am

Friendly reminder from Winding Vista neighborhood:  Be on the look out, especially if you see a suspicious car at a neighbor's house that you know is not home.  A simple phone call to the police can prevent this from happening to another family.  It is better to be safe than sorry!

10/23/06

2:30am

10/18/06

Early am

Embry Hills Shopping Center

(Kroger on Chamblee Tucker Road / I285)

Click here for news media story.

10/10/06

5:30am

10/6/06

August/

September 2006

8/24/06

Click here for news media story.

Reports from local neighborhood watch/local groups have mentioned:  the suspect had been arrested last May for indecent exposure (flashing, lewd acts); there had been a report of a man meeting this description knocking on a carport door in the Sagamore Elementary area on 8/24/06; the suspect hides in wooded areas and waits for walkers to come by;  there have been sightings of this man riding his bike up and down Lavista Road numerous times and hanging out around Checkers (on the corner of Lavista and Northlake Pkwy.)

8/22/06

Henderson Road area homeowner would like to inform neighbors that someone is stealing wrought iron lawn furniture from lawns in our area.  The homeowner had a wrought iron bench and chair stolen a couple of months ago.  They received a call today (8/22/06) from a neighbor that someone had taken their wrought iron bench.  The bench is very heavy and would require two people to pick it up, and it would require a truck or van to haul it.  Please be on the look out for such activity.

8/17/06

8:00 pm

Henderson Summit

(off Henderson Road)

The following information was shared by a Henderson Summit neighbor:

Thursday night the 17th of August at about 8 pm our neighbor across the street had their car stolen from their carport.  They are a young couple with 4 boys (6 and younger).  They were all at home - upstairs bathing the kids.

A green Ford Taurus drove up.  One young black fellow got out – walked up to the house – their double garage door was up.  He first went through the SUV in the double carport and did not get anything.  Walked in the house – door was unlocked and got the keys to the BMW in the single carport.  A friend of theirs drove up as he was getting into the BMW – She got a good look at him – as he backed out – went around her car and drove away – toward Tucker.  The green Ford Taurus went ahead of him. The Ford had a dented passenger side rear fender panel.

The friend rushed into the house – alerted all seven folks that were upstairs.  They immediately called police.  Police came and stayed a long time – tried to do finger prints and all – but long story short the car is gone and they are fortunate no one was hurt.

Just wanted you to let all neighborhoods know – Police said that it was happening all over – going through carports – breaking in houses and all – so keep the doors locked and garage doors down.

Update:  Car was recovered, and police are following leads.

8/16/06

5:15am

For additional research, the Atlanta Journal & Constitution newspaper carrier department was contacted.  It was learned that the carrier in this area drives a red Ford Ranger pickup and older white Nissan Maxima.  The paper is delivered between 4:30-6:00am.  Possibly the same vehicle? ...

8/11/06

Morning

McCully Drive

(between La Vista Road & Briarcliff Drive)

Randolph Estates had a break-in  at 3025 McCully Drive while the residents were away.  The residents left home in the morning and discovered the break-in when they returned home at noon.  DeKalb Police have responded and are investigating.  This is the first break-in the Randolph Estates area in quite a while, but other areas of DeKalb County are experiencing break-ins on a regular basis.

Randolph Estates Neighborhood Watch also advised that there are people cruising the neighborhoods regularly, recording patterns of homes and residents, looking for opportunities to break-in.

Update:  "Burglary Suspect" (Randolph Rd, Henderson Mill Rd, McCully Drive)
Detectives advised a description of a "Suspicious Person," possible suspect in the recent burglaries that occurred during the week of August 11th:

White Male, approximately 5'8", 175lbs., blond hair

Possibly driving:  Red vehicle, possible Ford or Chevy, Tag number unknown

This suspect has entered residences by kicking in rear doors or breaking rear windows.

8/3/06

2:00 am

Lake Louise Apartments

(Evans Road and Henderson Mill Road)

7/30/06

10:00 pm

Aspen Ct./Henderson Rd.

7/18/06

Night

Neighborhood off of Henderson Road

7/8/06

3:08pm

Peppermint Drive

(off Henderson Road)

Homeowner alerts neighborhood and files Police report about possible Social Security/identity theft phone scam.  Click here for details.

(Regal Forest Neighborhood Watch)

Peppermint Drive

(off Henderson Road)

Winding Way

(between La Vista & Midvale Roads)

6/7/06 12:30am,

6/8/06

1am

LaVista Woods Drive

(between La Vista & Midvale Roads)

5/28/06

10pm

Regal Way

(off Henderson Road)

5/9/06

10:30pm

Regal Way

(off Henderson Road)

5/1/06

Evening

Oak Crossing Drive

(off LaVista Road)

We had a strange and disconcerting experience this evening which we wanted to pass on.  We live across LaVista Road on Oak Crossing Drive.  As we were driving home tonight from the ball park, a man came down the street slowly in a newer model tan Toyota Camry.  He was about early 40s, white male, seemed of average build with thick, salt and pepper (mostly gray) hair.  (Unfortunately, we did not get the license plate number.)  I was outside w/ our son and he slowed down and then turned around in the cul-de-sac and left.  Then he returned as my husband and our other son arrived home.  He was in the middle of the road, blocking the way.  He pulled aside but called out to my husband that he loved our house and wanted to talk to him.  Since he would not drive away, my husband walked out to talk to him.  He said his name was Ernie Hartwell or maybe Harwell, that he was scouting houses for movies and that our house had good "symmetry".  He asked my husband for our "contact" information.  Then our son pulled up to them on his bike.  The man started talking to our son, trying to engage our son in a conversation.  My husband told our son to go inside, which he did.  The man then pressed my husband for his contact information, which he did not give out.  My husband asked the man for his contact information, which he declined to give and then drove off in a huff.  My husband had a bad feeling about this man the entire time.  Again, we just wanted to pass this on because it was very creepy and scared us.

4/26/06

Bolero Drive

(off Henderson Mill Road)

Note:  This is a reminder to let a neighbor know if you are going to be out of town.  Have someone pick up your newspapers and mail.  It is most important to get your mail as soon as you can after it is delivered.  (Woods of Henderson Watch)

4/19/06

7:30pm

Winding Woods

(subdivision between

Midvale & La Vista Roads)

4/15/06

2pm

Menlo Drive &

Menlo Way

(Briaridge subdivision - near intersection of Chamblee Tucker & Tucker Norcross Roads)

Hey guys.

I wanted to alert you all about something that just happened this afternoon.

We frequently allow Joe to play outside by himself - while we keep an eye on him from in the house, and he often plays out front - knowing that he isn't allowed to go near the street, talk to strangers, etc.  Just about an hour ago (about 2pm), he was outside on the front walkway playing, and Mike came inside the house for a moment to get something.  In the 2 minutes Joe was alone, a medium gray van (older style - looked like an old RAM1500 or something like that) pulled up in front of the walkway and waved to Joe.  Joe started walking toward the street (thank goodness I was watching out the window from upstairs!), he says because he thought it was someone's grandpa.  I  yelled down to Mike and he immediately opened the front door - as soon as he did, the van drove away, before I got a plate number, towards Gladney.

I have no idea if this is cause for concern or not, but I wanted to get the word out asap --- if this van comes around again, we should check it out - I've never seen it before in the neighborhood.  Again,  it could have just been someone driving around for a purpose, and happened to pause in front of my house and wave innocently.  However - I don't think we can be too careful when it comes to strangers and our kids.  I hope I never see it again, or this email turns up that it
was in fact "so and so's" grandfather's.

Anyway --- let's get the word out to either find out who the can belongs to, or keep our eyes open.

Thanks,
Stacey
 

4/11/06

12:30pm

Corner of Briarcliff & Briarlake Roads

4/1/06

9:15pm

Cedar Canyon Drive @ Cedar Canyon Court.

(Breckenridge subdivision located off LaVista Road)

Note:  A Watch coordinator in the nearby area had received three slightly varying reports on the incident.  One report suggests other friends were also present.  When the father told them he had no wallet, one of them grabbed the daughter.  Screams alerted neighbors who called 911.  Child was not abducted.

3/28/06

3:15pm

Empire Square

(located off Midvale Road)

3/27/06

Afternoon

Empire Square

(located off Midvale Road)

3/26/06

Palace Court

(located off Henderson Road)

Mid March 2006

7:30pm

Palace Court

(located off Henderson Road)

Early March 2006

Salem Crossing

(near Midvale/Henderson Mill Road)

3/22 email note from Empire Square neighbor:  Neighbor called today with some information re: 3 break-ins at Salem Crossing - the town homes just to the west of  Empire Square - backing up to Regency Drive West.  Info is sketchy and I pass this along as a third or perhaps 4th. party with very little detail.  One person (white male) was observed leaving in a tan or beige Toyota - make unknown-  with Newton County GA tags.  Be aware there are at least 4 or 5 tan or beige Toyotas belonging to neighbors in Empire Square----the caution is the Newton Co. identifier.  I do not know if police were called.

3/23 email note from Salem Crossing contact:  We have a note on our community bulletin board stating there were 2 forced entry break-ins in the past 2 weeks, at least one of which the police responded to because I saw them finishing up last week.  That one was clearly done during the daylight hours when people are away at work.  I had no details about car or suspect descriptions.

3/21/06

Late Afternoon

Bolero Drive cul-de-sac

(off Henderson Mill Road)

Mid March 2006

5:30-6am

Palace Court

(located off Henderson Road)

3/21/06

8:56pm

Henderson Mill Road

(between Henderson/Midvale Roads)

FYI.  Homeowner received phone call with no one responding at other end after homeowner said "hello" 3 times.  Homeowner hung up first and has documented the name and phone number from caller ID.

Woods of Henderson

(off Henderson Mill Road)

3/19/06

4:00am

Aspen Court

(off Henderson Road)

Talisman Court

(off Briarcliff Road)

3/15/06

9:15am

Sasanqua Court

(off Idlewood/Fellowship Rds)

3/11/06

2am

Briarcliff Commons

(Henderson Mill Road & Briarcliff Way)

3/7/06

Ludovie Lane

(LaVista & Briarcliff Roads)

A homeowner reported a green car was backed up and parked in her driveway.  She didn't recognize car, and man knocked on door but doesn't respond when homeowner asked who he was.  Man/car left.  Homeowner called police.

3/5/06

4pm

Kings Court

(off Henderson Mill Road)

3/4/06

Noon

Glynbrook Drive

(off Idlewood/Fellowship Rds)

2/28/06

Evening

Ludovie Lane

(LaVista & Briarcliff Roads)

Homeowner entered subdivision and observed green/dark colored Camry parked inside subdivision.  Car was running with lights on.  Homeowner drove in/closed garage and turned outside lights on.  Car left.  Homeowner was suspicious that criminals are "casing" homes and notified neighborhood.

Note:  A similar car description was given in the iron lawn furniture theft on 1/23/06 on Allsborough Drive.

2/26/06

4-5pm

Briarcliff Commons

(Henderson Mill Road & Briarcliff Way)

Dear Neighbors,

We hope this letter finds you all doing well.

Please be advised that on Sunday, February 26, 2006, at approximately 4:50p.m., our home was burglarized.

As such, we are writing all of you to, at the very least, put you on notice that, according to police, this is the fourth (4th) daytime burglary in the immediate area. Further, should any of you have any information whatsoever that could be helpful please let one of us know at your earliest convenience.

What we do know is that probably more than one person was involved. The burglars determined that no one was home (we were in fact out of town on vacation). They entered the residence in the rear by throwing a boulder through a window. They then tripped a motion sensor located in a basement hallway. Due to the fact that the alarm siren was only inside the house, apparently no neighbors heard it. The burglars then attempted to destroy the alarm system but the police had already been dispatched within Sixty (60) Seconds. The burglars grabbed what they could and fled out the front door in broad daylight carrying our possessions. The police arrived between Nine (9) and Twenty (20) minutes later.

We do not know whether or not a vehicle was used in the burglary. As such, should any of you have noticed a vehicle (even a service vehicle) at the front of the neighborhood or in our driveway, please let us know. The other robberies nearby did in fact involve vehicles that were loaded with household items.

The detective handling our case and the others is Detective Stanfield of the Dekalb County P.D., Investigations Division. He has a few leads but needs any additional information he can get. We are in the process of adding extensive surveillance cameras to the interior and exterior of our residence to monitor motion in/and around the house. While that will certainly be helpful in the future, Detective Stanfield has suggested that each and every homeowner in the neighborhood take a few seconds extra to pay attention to cars parked around the neighborhood. If something looks at all suspicious, call 911. He also noted that often these burglars are pedestrians pretending to be selling something in order to determine whether anyone is home or not. Sometimes, they even dress up in service uniforms and drive vehicles with signs on the side. Detective Stanfield further asserted that these burglaries will not stop until someone is caught.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can give us additional information and please be safe.

On 3/18/06, 11Alive.com aired this story:

Combating Burglary Spree

On 3/16/06, WSB-TV aired the story:

Home Security Systems Not Stopping Thieves featuring several of the recent incidents in the Northlake/Briarcliff/La Vista Road area.

2/9/06

8:30pm

Empire Square

(located off Midvale Road)

2/8/06

Morning

Pangborn Road

(between Springbrook and Frazier)

1/31/06

Daytime

Nalley Circle

(located off La Vista Road/

Oak Grove Road area)

1/29/06

Daytime

Bolero Drive

(Henderson Middle School

side parking lot)

1/25/06

Daytime

Mill Ridge Trail

(located off Henderson Mill Road/past the Henderson

Mill Elementary School)

1/23/06

Daytime

Allsborough Drive

(located off Henderson Road near Henderson Park)

Theft of wrought iron garden furniture - Neighbor observed theft in progress - Man in green Camry(?) loaded furniture.  Woman may have been the driver.  Police called.  No license plate captured.

hendersonroad.com Email Notification: January 23, 2006 - Theft from Allsborough Drive.

Bolero Drive

(located off Henderson Mill Road/between Henderson & Midvale Roads)

Off/near Evans Road

(street runs parallel to Henderson Road)

• June 30, 2005 - Stop the "coin bandit". Keep vehicles locked overnight.
• May 19, 2005 - Suspicious Blue Van (final)
• May 16, 2005 - Suspicious Blue Van (update)
• May 10, 2005 - Suspicious Blue Van (original)