By John Schaffner
johnschaffner@reporternewspapers.net
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard Jr. and the Multi-Jurisdictional Burglary Task Force have launched a public awareness campaign — themed “Had Enough Already?” — seeking public help in catching burglars with a new website and billboards
Reed proclaimed June 24 as “Had Enough Already?” Day in recognition of burglary task force efforts to reduce burglaries in Fulton County by 30 percent over the next two years.
The public awareness campaign will feature billboards with former mayoral candidate and City Council President Lisa Borders, who has been the victim of buglars on three occasions, once during her campaign for mayor.
Howard paid tribute to Dist. 144 Rep. Jimmy Pruett, sponsor of the new ‘Smash and Grab’ Act, which was drafted by Assistant District Attorney Sharla Jackson, the community prosecutor in Atlanta police Zone 5.
The “Smash and Grab” legislation enforces stiffer penalties for criminals convicted of smash and grab burglaries, which have become a growing problem in Buckhead. The bill was signed into law on June 4 by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
Through the interactive website, www.hadenoughalready.com, the people of Fulton County will be able to share their own burglary stories and communicate directly with the task force.
With Crime Stoppers Atlanta and the Atlanta Police Foundation, the task force is offering up to $2,000 rewards for credible burglary tips. Awards also were presented to Fulton residents who assisted law enforcement in capturing burglars.
The Multi-Jurisdictional Burglary Task Force, formed in 2009 and funded by a federal grant, is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Alpharetta, Atlanta, East Point, Fulton County, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs police departments and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department.