Dear residents,

The Fourth of July has come and gone, but Sgt. Ronnie Young of the JCPD Traffic Unit reminds us that summer remains an intense time for car accidents and impaired driving:

"Summer brings temptations. Though it may be OK to have a small amount of alcohol with dinner, while cutting the grass or boating, remember that it takes time to metabolize out of your system.

The daily commute is hazardous enough without adding alcohol to the problem, so
Don't Drink and Drive... and enjoy the rest of your summer."

Our PACT (Police and Community Together) neighborhood watch program ramps up this fall, beginning with an "Introduction to PACT" at police headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7pm. (See story below.)

The program is FREE and open to all residents. We encourage each neighborhood to send one representative to the "Introduction to PACT" to learn more and then sign up.

Keep in mind that we're seeking contact information for each neighborhood and HOA in order to send emergency alerts and traffic updates when necessary. If your neighborhood/HOA hasn't sent us contact information yet, please have a representative contact Kathy Shiplett at 678-474-1561 or Kathy.Shiplett@JohnsCreekGA.gov to be added to the communications list.

Hope to see a big crowd here on the 15th.

Stay safe,

Sgt. Debra Kalish
Community Services

P.S.  If you received this copy from someone else, sign up here to get your own copy each month.

Summer is a great time for criminals. Homeowners are either away on vacation, or at home and more relaxed, less suspicious of deception.

Follow these common-sense tips this summer:

• Request a JCPD "Vacation Watch": Kathy.Shiplett@JohnsCreekGA.gov or 678-474-1561.
• Ask your neighbor to collect mail/newspapers while you're away.
• Use timers to turn lights and radio on/off at appropriate times.
• Keep your garage doors closed and locked while you're at home.
• Keep your vehicles locked and don't leave personal items visible (including GPS chargers).
• Lock your bicycle to a stationary object. Use a hardened steel unshaped lock.
• If you're working in the front yard, lock the back door and garage. If you're working in the back yard, lock the front door and garage.
• Don't keep ladders or other equipment in the yard that could be used to gain access.
• Ask utility workers for identification and call to confirm their association with company.

The Traffic Unit will conduct concentrated patrols in all public school zones for the first two weeks after school starts Aug. 10. Officers will focus on drivers improperly passing buses.

Traffic is always more congested when school is in session, but police expect more problems this year in light of the opening of the new Johns Creek High School at the intersection of State Bridge Road and Ga. 141.

Commuters through this major intersection are cautioned to leave earlier for their destination, particularly for the first few weeks of school.

Join us at Police Headquarters, Sept. 15 at 7pm, for an "Introduction to PACT," the JCPD's new neighborhood watch program open to all Johns Creek residents.

The goal of PACT (Police and Community Together) is to bring residents and police officers together on a regular basis to communicate and work together to prevent residential criminal activity.

There is NO COST involved. Member neighborhoods receive PACT entrance signs, crime alerts and regular communication with the PACT officer assigned to them.

Every neighborhood is encouraged to send one representative to the Introduction to learn more, share and discuss the information and then sign up.

RSVP for the "Introduction" or call 678-474-1561. Directions to Police Headquarters.

The new Johns Creek Police Bicycle Patrol went on duty this month in city parks, shopping centers and residential neighborhoods.

This informal law enforcement approach enhances community policing, says Officer Madhusudana Meberg. "It's much easier for most people to approach us on bicycles. People tend to say 'hi' and talk to you when you're not in a patrol car."

The new Trek police bikes also allow access to areas that a car cannot go (trails, side yards, alleys, etc.) and are very effective in certain pursuits or responses.

• GBI:  Warning on Child Porn Video Attachment (New)
• FBI:  Asian Extortion Scam (New)
• FBI:  Car cloning
• FBI:  Oprah's Millionaire Contest
• FBI:  Fake military twist on online vehicle sales

Burglaries (Total 14):  Avonlea on the River (2), Aylesbury Farms (1), Clear Springs Baptist Church (1), Country Club of the South (1), ENT Georgia (1), Lexington Woods (1), Mayfair (2), private individual (2), Nordson (1), Roswell Mill (1), Winthrop Park (1).

Car break-ins (Total 29):  Carlyle Commons (1), Chelsea Ridge (3), Country Club of the South (1), Home Depot (1), Hunters Close (1), Lexington Woods (1), Mackinac (1), Morton Plantation (5), Mt. Pisgah Church (1), New Haven (2), Newtown Park (1), Ocee Park (1), Old Woodland Entry (1), Park Chase (1), Rivermont (2), Seven Oaks (1), St. Ives Country Club 2), Summer Trace (2), The Ridge at Brumbelow (1).