Norcross police increase patrols to fight holiday crime - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Crime often escalates during the holidays, but one metro area city is doing what they can to fight the trend.  So far, the city of Norcross has spent more than 1,000 police hours patrolling the streets.  

Among the Christmas lights, blue lights are becoming more common around Norcross.  Police spokesman Sgt. Bill Grogan told FOX 5 crime picks up after Thanksgiving when the shopping season begins, and thieves target people with money and merchandise in their pockets, cars, and houses.

Some residents who have experienced the increase in crime first-hand told FOX 5 they're grateful for heavy police presence.  Judy Resnick told FOX 5 her neighborhood had three break-ins right around Thanksgiving.  In all three cases, thieves kicked in the back doors of the homes and helped themselves to what was inside.

Since then, police have been doing massive patrols in various neighborhoods everyday with their blue lights flashing.  So far, they've seen a 40-percent decrease in crimes that are typical around the holidays, and residents say the patrols are making them feel more secure.

Police say the up tick in crime typically starts around the beginning of November and continues through the holidays.  They remind residents to take everything out of their cars, even if it's just sitting in their driveways.