American Resistance Radio

By DERRICK MAHONE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Ann Dejarnett went about her shopping at the Kroger on Whitlock Avenue in Marietta with a lot more comfort knowing there was an extra pair of eyes watching.

The Marietta police department’s Skywatch Tower was high above the parking lot Monday afternoon. The tower moves around the city to various store parking lots.

“You feel comfortable knowing the police are out here,” Dejarnett said while loading a cart full of groceries into her car. “At this time of year, people make a lot of purchases and they want to be safe.”

The Skywatch Tower, in use since February, is a $79,000 mobile unit manned by police officers. Police say its presence alone deters crime.

In addition to the tower, Marietta police are using electronic signs in the parking lots of stores, alerting shoppers to lock their cars and put valuables in their trunk or out of sight.

During the peak of the holiday shopping season, police are mindful of the spike in robberies. Late last month, Cobb police received a report about a tactic commonly used in some car thefts.

The suspects usually flatten a tire by pulling the air inflation stem, then wait for the owner. The suspects offer to help the owner, and once inside the car, will steal items from the car.

Authorities say it’s better to contact someone you know to help in an emergency. If you suspect a scam, contact the police.

As they do every year, Cobb police will increase patrols at Town Center and Cumberland malls throughout the month. “We want to be more visible and put the public at ease,” Sgt. Dana Pierce said. “There is a lot of focus on street robberies. We are looking for criminal activity.”

While increased police presence is comforting, some shoppers don’t want overkill.

“When you see a lot of police it makes you nervous that something has happened before,” said Kroger shopper Janet Knautz. “When you find out that it is safe and they are patrolling, you are a little more comfortable.”