Data shows robbery and personal larceny crimes increase during the month of December. | Shutterstock
Data shows robbery and personal larceny crimes increase during the month of December. | Shutterstock
As residents finish up their holiday shopping, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will increase the number of patrols at the Cumberland and Town Center malls to ease shoppers' minds.
According to a story by Fox 5 Atlanta Dec. 18, the increased presence began Dec. 13 and is set to run through Dec. 31, though officials said it is not in response to a particular threat.
"We know the holiday season can be a stressful time," Sheriff Craig Owens told Fox 5 Atlanta. "This increase in patrol is meant to ease shoppers' minds as they complete their last-minute holiday tasks."
National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) data shows robbery and personal larceny crimes are among the two that typically increase during the month of December. According to reports, while these will increase in prevalence by about 20% during the last month of the year, more violent crimes like murder do not often increase during the same time frame.
With increased patrols around bust shopping areas in the county, Fox 5 Atlanta reports the sheriff's office advised individuals to avoid placing packages in plain sight while leaving them in a vehicle.
Other precautionary measures highlighted by officers include locking car doors and ensuring that vehicles are not left running while unintended, the report states.
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