“HAD ENOUGH ALREADY?!”

Multi-Jurisdictional Burglary Task Force Launches Public Awareness

Campaign, Hails Smash and Grab Legislation

Thursday, June 24, 2010

10:00 a.m.

Atlanta City Hall

2nd Floor, Mayor’s Mural

55 Trinity Avenue

Atlanta, GA 30303

Atlanta- On Thursday, June 24, 2010, Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. and the Multi- Jurisdictional Burglary Task Force takes their crime-fighting initiative to a new and exciting level. The task force is launching a pubic awareness campaign themed “Had Enough Already?!” and calling on the public’s assistance to help catch burglars with the rollout of a new website and roadside billboards.

The launch will be held at Atlanta City Hall where Mayor Kasim Reed will proclaim the date as “Had Enough Already” Day in recognition of Burglary Task Force efforts to reduce burglaries in Fulton County by thirty-percent over the next two years. DA Howard will also pay special tribute to State Representative Jimmy Pruett (District 144), sponsor of the newly enacted ‘Smash and Grab’ Act. Drafted by Zone 5 Community Prosecutor Sharla Jackson in partnership with a consortium of local and national retailers, the legislation enforces stiffer penalties for criminals convicted of smash and grab burglaries---a growing problem in Fulton County. The bill was signed into law on June 4, 2010 by Governor Sonny Perdue.

Several other local leaders and dignitaries will join District Attorney Howard in encouraging citizen involvement through the Burglary Task Force website: www.hadenoughalready.com and ‘Had Enough Already?!’ billboards featuring Lisa Borders, honorary chair of the citizen-run BTF Advisory Board. Borders, former Atlanta City Council President, was burglarized three times in less than two years- once during her bid for Mayor.

Through the interactive website, the people of Fulton County will be able to share their own burglary stories and communicate directly with the Burglary Task Force. Partnering with Crime Stoppers Atlanta and the Atlanta Police Foundation, the Task Force is offering up to $2,000 rewards for credible burglary tips. Citizen awards will also be presented on Thursday to Fulton County residents who courageously assisted law enforcement in capturing burglars.

The Multi-Jurisdictional Burglary Task Force, spearheaded by the District Attorney’s Office, was formed in 2009 and is funded by a federal grant. It is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Alpharetta, Atlanta, East Point, Fulton County, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs Police Departments in addition to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Departments.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov