Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards has been addressing concerns raised by business owners in Albany regarding threats posed by individuals arrested and released on bond for property crimes. Recently, there has been an increase in crimes such as burglary and property damage affecting businesses in the area.
One contributing factor to this increase is a policy at the magistrate court level where individuals arrested for misdemeanor theft offenses, who are unable to make bond and remain in jail for 10 days, may be considered for release on their own recognizance. Edwards emphasizes the importance of prevention in order to protect businesses in the community.
The District Attorney is urging business owners and victims to come forward and make their concerns known to the court when individuals accused of these crimes are being considered for bond. Edwards has received complaints from both the east and west sides of Albany, and he is concerned about the impact these crimes may have on local businesses.
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