How Are Entering Auto Cases Trending in Suwanee Parks?

It's not unusual to hear of incidents in which people have items taken from their cars.

According to Suwanee Police data, such incidents are trending downward in Suwanee parks, including Gwinnett County-owned George Pierce Park.

In 2013, there have been 12 total "entering auto" occurrences in Suwanee parks, with seven occurring in George Pierce Park alone. Two each were reported in Martin Farm Park and Sims Lake Park.

In police terminology, an "occurrence" means a report that could include multiple incidents of entering by one suspect, according to Capt. Cass Mooney of Suwanee Police.

Such crimes have decreased markedly in Suwanee parks since 2009, which is about the time that Suwanee officials installed surveillance cameras in the parks.

For instance, 16 entering auto occurrences were reported at George Pierce Park alone in 2009. Mooney said the cameras have been an "effective deterrent."

Mooney also noted that criminals target such locations as parks, fitness centers and restaurants -- places where people usually do not want to take purses inside, and therefore leave them in their vehicles.

-- Have you been a victim of an entering auto case? Do you know someone who has? Tell us in the comments below.