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This Crime Over the Years
In December 2014, there were 1,444 arrests in Georgia for larceny. In 2017, that number had more than tripled, with 3,085 arrests in Fulton county alone in just the month of December. (This does not take into account the many personal thefts that occur in and around Thanksgiving and last to the end of November.) Atlanta crime rates are going up, but they are often at their worst in December.
Reasons for Stealing and Elevated Crime Rates in December
A significant factor in this business of stealing is that many people want to buy their children and family members nice gifts for the holidays but are too broke to do it. So they steal what they can. The easiest way to steal is to take it from a neighbor or someone else that the thief knows, which is known by the legal word and definition of larceny.
Items Typically Stolen
Items most commonly stolen in Atlanta, GA include:
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Cars, trucks, and motorcycles
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TVs and electronics
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Computers and laptops
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Toys, bikes, and other outdoor play equipment
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Valuables like jewelry and guns
Any big-ticket item you can think of, thieves have tried to steal away from neighbors, relatives, and even friends. A lot of new thefts involving "porch pirates" have been cropping up in Atlanta too. This is where you order something online, and someone you don't know comes along and steals it right off your porch after it has been delivered. Honest citizens trying to help neighbors by securing packages until the neighbors come home have even been accused of this crime and unfairly arrested.
This Year Is Expected to Be Even Worse
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people are out of work and unable to get unemployment benefits. They are struggling to stay in their homes and pay their bills. People are even more desperate to get what they want or what their children want when that happens. Desperate people do desperate things, and that is exactly what larceny is born out of - desperation.
Charged With Larceny? Call (404) 471-3177 to Protect Your Rights
Whether you did the crime or you didn't, you do not want to be convicted of this charge. If you are charged with stealing another's personal property in a case from last year, or you end up being accused this year, be sure to hire an Atlanta criminal defense attorney. Nick Lotito & Seth Kirschenbaum can help you get the charges dropped or a reduced sentence.
Ready to discuss your case and hire a good lawyer? Contact Nick Lotito and Seth Kirschenbaum today by calling (404) 471-3177 for a free consultation.