Identity theft and credit card fraud are prevalent everywhere - including Johns Creek. Here are some simple steps to protect yourself and family:

PART 2 of 3: (more next month...)

Nearly one out of every four motor vehicle crashes involves cell phone use.* Sixty-two percent of drivers recognize that talking on a cell phone is not safe, yet more than two out of three drivers admit to talking on their cell phone in the past month.

Driving involves three main activities: visual (eyes on road); mechanical (hands on wheel); cognitive (mind on driving). The brain quickly switches between those tasks sequentially. As a result, the brain suffers from inattention blindness and can't process everything the eyes see.

When this happens, drivers look out the windshield, but do not see up to 50 percent of the driving environment. In fact, the brain is so overloaded that not all critical driving cues such as red lights, stop signs and pedestrians are delivered to the brain.

So... when you're on the road, stay off the phone.

Enacted earlier this month, a new law requires Johns Creek pawnbrokers and second-hand dealers in precious metals to run background checks on potential employees, and get fingerprints of people pawning any precious metal goods. The purpose of the law is to help ensure these goods are not stolen.

The JCPD encourages all residents to make a photographic inventory of their gold, silver or precious metal jewelry, flatware, coin collections, etc. The inventory could help police identify your treasures if they should be stolen.

Summer's back... and so are more car break-ins across north Fulton. In Johns Creek, more than 60 per cent of these thefts occur with unlocked vehicles.

The thieves didn't even have to break in to steal anything they could quickly sell on Craig's List; or collect personal information from briefcases for the increasing popular crime of identity theft.

PLEASE... stop leaving any valuable and personal items in your car, and stop leaving your car doors unlocked!

Johns Creek residents have an opportunity for an in-depth look at JCPD operations, how it is organized and what policies it follows in setting a high standard for community policing in this 9-week course.

Open to all Johns Creek residents ages 21 and older who successfully pass the application process and a criminal history check, the JC Citizens Police Academy is limited to 25 people. The class is held on Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Read more.

This Fourth of July, Johns Creek Police will set up sobriety check points in various locations across the City, joining other law enforcement agencies in impaired driving enforcement initiatives.

The check points will be in effect throughout the holiday at undisclosed times and places. The goal of the enhanced enforcement of DUI laws is to reduce alcohol-related traffic accidents in the city.

The Georgia Department of Transportation says two separate scam artists are stealing money from individuals around the metro area - in one case offering non-existent jobs with the Department; in the other, posing as DOT Highway Emergency Response Operators (HEROs) and charging for assistance.

Anyone approached by these individuals or having information regarding these activities is asked to please contact their local law enforcement agency or the Department's Investigations Unit at 404-347-0620. Read more.

Burglaries (8): Linkwood, Huntington, Timberstone (2), Long Indian Creek (2), and Abberly Towneship (2).

Car break-ins (13): Addison Place Apts., Long Indian Creek, Hartridge, Oxford Mill, Newtown Park (3), St. Clair, 3101 Barnwell Rd., Glastonberry, Foxworth, 10980 State Bridge Rd., 4775 Old Alabama Rd., Findley Chase, and Falcon Ridge.