inDECATUR

Car theft can happen in Decatur in the daylight

A car was stolen out of the East Decatur Station lot on E. College around 2:30PM about 10 days ago, while the owner was sitting in the Corner Pub (which has glass windows facing the lot).

The owner was notified yesterday it has been found, but didn't know it's condition at that time, other than the fact the steering column was messed up. (That's how thieves bypass the ignition key.)

He wasn't positive the car was locked, saying the batteries were weak in his remote control and its operation had become unreliable.

The lesson for us all is to make sure our cars are locked, even in the daytime, even in Decatur, even if we have to check the doors. An unlocked car gives the thief one less obstacle to overcome.

Any of various devices for sale can also reduce the probability the thief will target your car, since he wants to move as rapidly as possible, and so will pass by a car with devices for an easier target.

If you have a GM product with OnStar, that's proven a good deterrent. If the thief doesn't deactivate it (which takes time and knowledge), your car can be tracked and the engine can be killed when the thief stops somewhere (with the police already on the way).

What can you do if someone is trying to steal your car out of your driveway? See continuation.

Neck tattoos don't enhance your mug shot

Incidentally, that address is across the street from Glennwood Academy.

Cops invade Pin Ups for Operation Hammer Time

Around 3 a.m., police made their way to Pin Up's, a club featuring exotic dancers in Decatur.

Women in various states of undress shot glances at officers while twirling around poles or performing lap dances. Officers checked their permit cards.

Vice Sgt. A.T. Mears kept his distance in a hallway.

"We're not here to gawk at them," he said.

TE | AJC | 11/19/2007

While just outside incorporated Decatur, being east of Sam's Crossing on Ponce de Leon Ave., Pin Ups is very close to downtown Decatur. Most Decatur residents would prefer it were not there.

BUT: Why were the cops going INSIDE these establishments, if there were no reports of problems?

The earlier AJC report from this weekend (reported at 9AM Sunday at Decatur-DeKalb) made it sound like they were just out in the parking lots.

See Decatur Metro's take. Rusty @ GeorgiaPoliticalModerate is a bit suspicious of the motivation and the AJC's role.

This borders on black boot tactics.

| "Round up the usual suspects."