The Atlanta Constitution from Atlanta, Georgia • 23

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9. 1988 'gfr Atlanta format AM) COVTTTtTlO 23 Keep Off Thieves9 Christmas Hit List hy Following Hiese Police Tips By Sandra Mcintosh SUiffWriler lis the season for parties, presents and caroling and burglaries, break-ins and muggings. If you donl want to add the latter to your list of holiday activities, police have a few tips to help you avoid them. Shopping, of course, is the dominant activity. With the price of presents, the ever present crowds and days that seem hours short on time, merchandise probably is stolen.

"Donl buy stolen goods," said Myrna May, a spokeswoman for the city police department "That keeps the thief in business and you might be the next victim." Besides watching what you buy, authorities also advise being careful about what you throw away. Putting the boxes for a new, $1,200 computer system out for the trash man is advertising your new purchase to potential thieves. Police advise breaking up the boxes for expensive items. know all the shortcuts. Most important, according to Mary Clendenen, crime awareness officer for the DeKalb County Police Department is not shrugging off fears.

"Don't be afraid of making a fool of yourself. If you feel threatened, you probably are," Ms. Clendenen said. "Scream, run, call security, but do something. If you're wrong, it was better than being right anyway." Even after you and your gifts have arrived home safely, you should still exercise caution.

Store your gifts out of sight Leaving gaily wrapped packages under a tree in front of the picture window for the whole neighborhood to see is asking for trouble, Ms. Clendenen said. And if you vacation this time of year, leave lights and a TV or radio on timers to make your home look lived in. Get your mail and papers picked up or stopped, and ask a neighbor to put a trash can out on trash days, and maybe park a car in your driveway once in a while. If someone does break in while you're home, don't confront them, police say.

Get out of the house and call the police. Police also warn that flim-flam artists and other scams are especially popular this time of year, when people are often in a more charitable or believing mood. As Ms. Clendenen said, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you are rushed to put up cash or give your credit card number out it's likely a scam.

And if the price is obviously too low, the If you must carry a purse, keep it close to your body and a hand on the zipper. Men, put your wallets in a front or coat pocket Button it if it buttons. Note your credit card numbers and the numbers of the checks you are carrying so you can immediately report them stolen. If you can, shop with a friend. If you are alone, have your car keys out before you leave the store.

Don't take shortcuts through alleys or similar areas. Muggers Mioppers can grow careiess as iney i dart from store to store in search of that perfect comforter or decanter cot That nnlitw. im I mat, puuic oaj, CAav.iijf wntu uneves innve oa "The biggest thing, the thing we stress the most, is be alert." said Of ficer HP. Dowis of the Atlanta police department's crime prevention unit "There have been studies done where criminals in prison have been shown the same sets of photographs and they all picked the same people as victims. These peo ple look like victims.

What does a victim look like? CHRISTMAS STARTS WJ "They look at their feet and not arounJ them when they re walk tag," Officer Dowis said. "They're easy targets because a mugger can run up behind them, snatch their purse or knock them down and steal their wallet and they'll never even see them. That what these muggers like." Local police departments offer the following do's and don'ts this holiday shopping season: Don't wear jewelry Only carry money and credit cards you will be using. If possible. don't carry a purse.

Put cards or cash in a pocket or change purse. StafoHoporf Rome Corrections Officer Is Charged With Bribery The Associated Press ROME A corrections officer at the Rome Diversion Center was arrested and charged with bribery, authorities said Thursday. Police said Billy Carl Jones, 41, of Cedar Bluff, was arrested Wednesday and suspended with pay, pending additional investigation of the case. Mr. Jones was arrested by a Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) agent who saw him solicit and receive $300 from a woman at a Wist Rome shopping center, apparently as the first payment on a $1,500 bribe, according to records at the Floyd County Jail.

Environmentalist Lauds Skidaway Island Trade Thi Associated Press I SAVANNAH The trade involving land in and around Skidaway Island State Park will leave the park better protected and with improved access, Hans Neu-hauser, coastal director of the Georgia Conservancy, said Thursday. 1 The land swap with the Union Camp approved Wednesday by the Board of Natural Resources, still must be approved by the Legislature and the State Properties Commission. i The plan provides the state will give Union Camp two parcels totaling about 12 acres in exchange for a 25.6-acre tract. ONTINENTALCHIC: CLASSICS FROM RICHELIEU AND ENCORE Jewelry that transcends time and trend. These are designs that are supremely assured, with a European influence she knows to be seasonless.

She'll choose them to wear again and again. From Richelieu, faux pearl 7" bracelet, $11 30w necklaces, 1 8.50-826 Button earrings, $23 From Encore, 30" and 36 Coldtone chains with faux pearl accents, $20 and $25 7" chain bracelet, $20 Tailored Jewelry -all stores Public TV Station WDCO Plans Switch in Channel Ti Associated Press COCHRAN Public television station WDCO will switch channels next year so that its more powerful signal does not interfere with the PAVE PAWS radar at Robins Air Force Base. i Under an agreement between the Air Force and Georgia Public Television, WDCO will switch from channel 15 to channel 29. The Air Force will pay for the change, said Fred Bugg, deputy director of Georgia Public Television. The amount is not yet known, he said.

Hm tel ii Afrxa fit mV." am '-Kit Hi am Wit SAY IT WITH SILVERPLATED PHOTO ALBUM. 10 WITH ANY 25 PURCHASE. 15 IF PURCHASED SEPARATELY. Stewart Sheriff's Race Winner Ruled Ineligible The Associated Press I TALBOTTON A Talbot County jury decided Thursday that Roosevelt Jackson was ineligible to run for sheriff of Stewart County because he didn't meet the residency; requirements. Jackson's Gary Parker, said the verdict "definitely" will be appealed.

Stewart County deputy Sheriff Bill House, who sued to contest the election he lost to Jackson by nine votes in the Sept. 20 Democratic primary runoff, could be declared the winner. But that won't happen unless the verdict is upheld on appeal, said senior Superior Court Judge James B. O'Connor. There may have to be another election, one in which House would be the only qualified candidate, the judge said.

A jury of eight women and four men took slightly more than an hour to reach the verdict a a i) lii i) if 11 BSH0P SUNDAY SUBURBAN 10-7; DOWNTOWN 12-7. MONDAY-FRIDAY SUBURBAN 10-10; DOWNTOWN 10-7. SATURDAY SUBURBAN 9-10; DOWNTOWN 9-7. USE YOUR RICH'S CHARGE. WE ALSO WELCOME VISA MASTERCARD AND AMERICAN EXPRESS.

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