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Police warn of car break-ins ahead of holiday season

By Carl Willis
By Carl Willis

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Police are warning people in one North Fulton County neighborhood about criminals on the prowl.

Video obtained by Channel 2 Action News shows a would-be thief trying car doors. The video shows a thief stalking a quiet Alpharetta neighborhood, looking for valuables left in cars. He appears armed and tries door after door until he finds what he's looking for -- one that's unlocked, giving him easy access to what's inside.

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"It's eerie knowing that somebody's been in there and invaded your privacy a little bit," said Emily Downs, who told Willis her car was invaded. "You open the car door and immediately everything is strewn across the seats."

Police said it was one of at least 20 vehicles hit overnight Tuesday.

"They just tugged on the door handle. When that handle opens up, they were able to take those items. And and nobody knows that they're there because they're in bed sleeping," said Jason Muenzer with the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.

Muenzer spoke to Channel 2's Carl Willis because he wanted people to remember this is the time of the year when this type of crime increases. He said everyone needs to lock up.

"We live in a great city. We're very fortunate to have many patrolmen patrolling these

Police are warning people in one North Fulton County neighborhood about criminals on the prowl

neighborhoods on a regular basis, but we can't be everywhere at one time," he said.

Muenzer said crooks found car keys, purses and electronics in the cars and only smashed into one locked vehicle because they could see hunting rifles on the seats.

"We've got a Black Friday. We've got Christmas, New Year's. We're just trying to get out in front of this. We want to make sure that all residents know that when you're coming home, you're taking your items inside," he said.

Downs said neighbors are already making changes to make sure thieves like this guy walk away empty handed.

"It definitely didn't sit well with the neighborhood so it will definitely be a little tighter around here."

Cox Media Group

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