The September 22^nd Town Hall Meeting, co-sponsored by Rep. Scott Holcomb, Northlake Community Alliance, Inc., and the DeKalb County Police Department, was attended by about 70 citizens at Henderson Mill Elementary School.  The topic of discussion was area crime and crime prevention.  Capt. Sonya Porter led discussion along with members of DPD giving suggestions on preventing auto and home theft.  Capt. Porter indicated that thieves are attracted to electronic devices left in autos such as GPS and laptops, or by packages or purses left in plain sight.  Lock your vehicle, even if in your garage or carport.  Place packages in the car trunk and look around when entering or exiting your auto in parking lots.  Join Neighborhood Watch programs and volunteer for the Police Department’s Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS).  VIP’s drive in designated communities and phone in anything/anyone that looks unusual or suspicious.  Notify the Police Department if you are leaving town for a few days or more as they will send patrol cars to circulate periodically and check anything that looks unusual.  Purchase a “canned dog” machine or get a real dog, a big one preferable, to discourage would-be thieves.

Many questions were asked and answered by our professional police staff.  Thanks to them for conducting this town hall meeting and thanks to Rep. Scott Holcomb, Ann Abramowitz, Tom Ulbricht, and NCA Board members who all contributed to this event.  Special thanks go to Dr. Rebecca Jackson, Principal at Henderson Mill Elementary School for the use of the school.

Mark your calendars for an important town hall meeting on area crime and crime prevention.  The meeting will be co-hosted by Representative Scott Holcomb, the Northlake Community Alliance, Inc (NCA), and the DeKalb County Police Department on Thursday, September 22, 2011, from 7:30 – 8:45 at Henderson Mill Elementary School.  The school is located at 2408 Henderson Mill Road, Tucker, GA.  This meeting will provide you with valuable information on what kind of crimes are being committed in the greater Northlake, Tucker, Lakeside, and Embry Hills areas.  Police experts will discuss the best ways to deter criminals from committing break-ins/theft in homes and automobiles and deterrence of other crimes.  Police staff will discuss the effectiveness of Community Policing and the VIP program.  Time will be provided for questions and answers.

On Thursday, May 26, the new Chick-fil-A, Northlake opened up to a huge crowd of grateful fans and dignitaries. One hundred of the 275 people that camped out overnight received a year’s worth of Chick-fil-A meals. Everybody else got samples and sandwiches during the opening ceremony. NCA was well represented at the event and Chairman, Tom Ulbricht, helped to help cut the ribbon. We heartily welcome operator/owner Brad and Deone Spratte and the new CFA staff to the neighborhood!

The NCA Annual Meeting, on May 19, was attended by over 150 people who came away with a lot of valuable information about street gangs. The program speakers included, Michael Carlson, Deputy Asst. DA, DeKalb District Attorney’s Office, and Deputy Sgt Charlie Lyda of the DeKalb County Police Dept, Gang Unit. They provided a lot of insight into what people should be aware of and cautious about. They said that street gangs are a large and growing phenomenon although the Northlake area, per se, does not currently have a significant gang related problem. People need to be aware of territory “tagging” or initials/names written generally in black spray paint or marker. Any such tagging or other suspected gang activity should be immediately reported to the DCPD, gang unit. Thanks to all who spoke, attended or helped with the Annual Meeting.

The Electronics Recycle Day on March 19, 2011, co-sponsored by NCA, Simon Northlake Mall, Rep. Scott Holcomb, and ERS, Inc, was a “huge” success with approx. 300 area residents and business people dropping off sixteen tons of recyclable electronic devices. We appreciate the donations contributed to support NCA and the Simon Youth Foundation. Below are a few photos of the event.