Did you know that a good defensive strategy against crime involves knowledge and awareness? To help you learn more, the City of Conyers Police Department has put together some timely information on crime trends and other topics to help you protect yourself and your family.

Have you been a victim of a financial crime?

If you have discovered unauthorized use of your checking account, credit card, or identity, you can start the reporting process by filling out this form [PDF] then contacting the police department to make an official police report.  Contact 770 483-6600 to make your report.

Request a Personalized Crime Prevention Program

The Conyers Police Department (CPD) will gladly help you establish a Neighborhood Watch, a citizen's involvement program where citizens, in cooperation with their local law enforcement agency, directly participate in the detection and prevention of crime.

Similar to a Neighborhood Watch, the Business Watch program is best suited for businesses located in close proximity to one another. For more information contact Sergeant Peggy Franklin at peggy.franklin@conyersga.gov or 678 374-5603.

The CPD will also come to your place of business to host seminars on topics such as loss prevention from robbery and shoplifting, internal theft and burglary.

Other services offered by the Conyers Police Department include:

• Security surveys or a walk through of a location where the officer suggests alternate methods of securing the business;
• Employee education programs with discussions on shoplifters, fraud, suspicious persons and personal safety;
• Police escorts, including "last to leave", a police watch for employees to safely make it to their vehicles, and travel with employees to make night deposits.

Identity Theft

Deter-Detect-Defend Avoid ID Theft - Federal Trade Commission website

Identity theft is one of America's fastest growing crime trends. Operating under a variety of methods, identity thieves obtain key pieces of our identities and fraudulently use this information for illegal gain.

Safeguarding your personal information is critical. Follow these steps to combat identity theft:

• Don't carry extra credit cards; only take what you must have;
• Shred all unneeded financial statements, receipts, "pre-approved" credit offers, etc.;
• Check your bills thoroughly for unknown charges or activity;
• Investigate any letters or statements regarding credit or property that you did not apply for or purchase;
• Do not write your social security number on any documents unless lawfully required;
• Never have your social security number listed on your driver's license;
• Request a credit report at least once a year to determine any unauthorized inquiries or activity;
• Order your social security benefits statement once a year to make sure that no one is using your social security number for means of income.

If you are a victim of identity theft or fraud:

1. Contact your local police department immediately;
2. Report the crime by phone to any creditor that might be affected. Follow up in writing and keep copies of this documentation
3. Call the credit agencies:
   • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
   • Experian (Formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
   • Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289

Other Helpful Information:

• Social Security Benefits: 1-800-772-1213
• Social Security Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271
• Consumer Credit Counseling Service: 1-800-388-2227
• Unwanted Junk Mail: Send a letter requesting that your name be removed from all mailing lists for junk mail: Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735 (212) 768-7277
• This website is a valuable resource tool for anyone dealing with identity theft: www.fightidentitytheft.com

Cyber Crime

Cyber crime is defined as the use of Internet, e-mail, or other electronic communications device to steal one's identity or other personal information for purpose of exploitation. Information on how to prevent cyber crime from happening to you can be found on the U.S. Department of Justice website, www.cybercrime.gov.

Crime Prevention

By heeding the following safety and crime prevention tips, you may avoid becoming a victim:

Vehicle Safety Tips

• Park in a well-lit area whenever possible.
• Always check to make sure you have your keys with you. Never leave a "hidden" key on your car.
• Leaving your purse, laptop or cell phone in plain view is an open invitation to thieves. Lock all valuables in your trunk.
• Lock your vehicle at all times.

Home Safety Tips

• Rather than hiding a spare key at your home, leave one with a neighbor you can trust.
• If you receive frequent "wrong number" or obscene telephone calls, report the activity to police and the telephone company.
• When recording an outgoing message on your answering machine, never state that you are not at home or out of town.
• When traveling, use automatic timers on lights and have a neighbor pick up mail and newspapers on a daily basis.

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