Tuesday, September 13, 2011

RFCOP Crime Update Week of September 5th - September 11th

Significant Events Report for the week of September 5-11, 2011

Section One: Major Crimes - Robberies

(All Commercial, Street Robberies resulting in injuries,

All Robberies related to trends)

Date Time CC Number Offense Location (Business & Victim Name) Synopsis Suspect Information

09/10/11 2210 11-253-2259 Attempted Robbery 8300 block Pleasant Plains Rd. 21286

The victim was sitting on his bicycle. The suspect asked the victim if he could hold his bike. The victim did not know the suspect and refused to give him the bike. The suspect stated, “I’ll just pop you, yo and take it.” The suspect grabbed the victim, placed him in a choke hold and dragged him to the ground. The suspect released the hold and left without taking the bike. M/B, 15-17, 5-6, medium build

Section Two: Major Crimes – Burglaries

All Commercial, Schools, Residential related to trends,

Burglaries with high dollar value stolen / weapons stolen

Date Time CC Number Offense Location (Business & Victim Name) Synopsis Suspect Information

09/09/11 1323 11-252-0868 1st Degree Burglary 6200 block Haddon Ave. 21212

The victim was sleeping upstairs upon hearing a noise downstairs. The victim went downstairs and observed a window pane was broken out of the rear dining room window. Later in the day found property was taken. Unknown

09/09/11-09/10/11 2000-1200 11-253-1281 1st Degree Burglary 600 block Bridgeman Terrace 21204

An unknown suspect pried open the rear sliding glass door with an unknown tool. Property was taken. Unknown

09/11/11 2015 11-254-2026 Attempt 1st Degree Burglary 6600 block Glenbarr Ct. 2134

An unknown suspect forced open the front door, damaging the door frame. The victim asked, “Who is it?” When the victim got to the door the suspect was gone. Unknown

09/08/11-09/09/11 1800-0900 11-252-0534 Attempt 2nd Degree Burglary 100 block Allegheny Ave. 21204

An unknown suspect attempted to kick in the front door. The door panel was damage, but entry was not gained. Unknown

baltimoresun.com - Crime Incident Notification

Week of Sep. 5-11, 2011

Incident # Date Time Description Location

112521491 9/9 6:14 pm Check on Location 2xx Stanmore Road

112520729 9/9 11:59 am Check on Location 3xx blk Regester

112511606 9/8 7:22 pm Suspicious Subject 2xx blk Stanmore Road

112521575 9/9 6:59 pm Suspicious Subject Dumbarton/Dorking

112511228 9/8 4:18 pm Suspicious Vehicle 1xx blk Brandon

112540053 9/11 12:25 am Suspicious Vehicle Dumbarton/Dorking

112470860 9/4 2:18 pm Hit&RunAcc-PropDam York/Murdock

112541383 9/11 12:38 pm Destruction of Prop Brandon/Lanark

112490803 9/6 1:15 pm Theft from Motor Veh 2xx Stanmore Road

112490391 9/6 9:08 am Theft from Motor Veh 1xx blk Stanmore Road

112521669 9/9 7:45 pm 4th degree Burglary 2xx blk Stanmore Road

112540285 9/11 2:58 am Fires/Other Rodgers Forge Rd/Blenheim

112541081 9/11 8:30 am Identity Theft 74xx blk Stanmore Court

Email Alerts - Spot Crime.com

2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road – Week of Sep. 5-11, 2011

Case # Crime Date Time Address

112541081 Identity Theft 9/11 8:30 am 74xx blk Stanmore Court

112521669 4th degree Burglary 9/9 7:45 pm 1xx blk Stanmore Road

112541383 Dest. of Property 9/11 12:38 pm Brandon/Lanark

From your Citizens on Patrol:

With the transition from summer to fall our local thieves will continue to take advantage of any opportunity they find to take your property that is easy to get, break into your house, and cause you a lot of time trying to recover the property or worse yet be left out in the cold. Below is from the BCPD site that was posted much earlier this year. We felt it was a good idea to provide this information to you again.

_________________

Crime Prevention Tips for Homeowners during the Warm Weather Months (or spring and fall)

We generally like to relax during the warmer months of the year, but criminals are never on vacation, so take a little time to protect your property and valuables with these commonsense measures.

Deception Burglaries Blossom In The Spring (and the Fall)

The Baltimore County Police Department is taking a proactive approach in alerting its citizens to certain crime trends that have occurred throughout the County in recent years. Unfortunately, this is the time when these types of crimes are known to occur.

Suspects, posing as legitimate workers, approach elderly homeowners at their residence with the intent of gaining entry under a seemingly legitimate role: local gas company, water department, cable company, tree trimmers, pavers, County inspectors, or government officials. One suspect will distract the homeowner while a second suspect will enter the home and search inside for valuables and cash.

Another type of ruse used to gain entry into the home is for a suspect to knock on the door and ask for a pen and piece of paper to leave the victim's neighbor a note. The suspect may appear to have difficulty writing the note, and will ask to come inside the house. Once inside the victim's house, the suspect will ask the victim to help write the note. As the suspect keeps the victim occupied, others enter the residence to remove money and valuables.

A variety of vehicles have been associated with these subjects including pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles.

Be particularly alert to anyone in your neighborhood looking to perform home repairs, or asking to gain entry into your home. Be sure to ask to see identification and let them know you are going to call and get authorization from their company before allowing them access. If they are legitimate, they won't mind the wait.

Remember, do not intervene, but call 911 immediately about suspicious activity.

Home Improvement Scams Come Alive When The Weather Breaks

This is the season when BUNCO or scam artists drive through neighborhoods looking to find people in their yards. Once spotted, the victim is drawn into a conversation about the work that needs to be done on their home and then offered a "bargain" home repair.

The National Association of Bunco Investigators (NABI) says to beware when a repairperson knocks on your door. Look for these telltale signs:

  • The repairperson drives an unmarked truck or van with an out-of-state license.
  • Only rarely will legitimate home improvement companies solicit door-to-door. They usually distribute fliers or make phone calls since it's more cost effective for them.
  • The worker has no business identification, local address or telephone number. Always request identification so that you can call the company for verification.
  • You are offered a “special price” if you sign that day. Honest home contractors don’t pressure customers to sign a contract or job order immediately.
  • Beware of excuses such as "We just finished a job around the corner and had extra materials that we could offer you at a discounted price." Professional companies do not operate in that manner.
  • The worker asks for upfront costs or fees, or accepts only cash. Reputable contractors do not ask for all the money upfront. A customer pays one third of the bill first, then another third midway through the job, and the rest when the work is completed. Never pay in cash. Using a check keeps a record of the transaction and often provides identification of the person cashing the check.
  • No written estimates or contracts are offered. If you have no contract, you have no recourse if the job is faulty or is never completed.
  • The worker has no references. Ask for references and check around the neighborhood to see if anyone has contracted with this person to do work on their home.

BUNCO artists also like to intimidate their prey. After a job is finished, usually with inferior materials and shoddy work, the man or woman will inform the customer that more money is owed. When the customer objects, he or she is told that the materials used were stolen and the police will be brought in if the higher price isn’t paid.

Beyond the intimidation, the materials used, as mentioned previously, are of poor quality. The roof coating, according to NABI, might be whitewash, the coating on the drive could be motor oil, and the fertilizer may consist of sawdust and oil.

Compare estimates with other licensed contractors when you decide to have work done on your home. Don’t give it to some “fly by night” contractor.

If you would like to read more on the subject, you can log onto http://nabihq.org/en-us/cons_and_scams/ “Cons and Scams” to see how BUNCO artists operate.

If you suspect that the person at your door is a scam artist, contact the Baltimore County Police Department at 911. You could be helping other potential victims from being taken in.

Stop A Burglar: Lock Up When You Spruce Up

The Baltimore County Police Department reports that about one out of four burglaries in the County is through unlocked doors or windows. Stop these thefts. Lock up while you spruce up!

If you're out working in your garden these spring days, make sure you keep your doors locked. Carry a key with you and lock your front door and your back door. Some criminals specialize in stealing from homes when people are outside doing yard work.

When you finish with that yard work, remember to clean up and lock up behind you. When you put your rake and other tools in the shed, garage or basement, don't forget to lock the doors. An open door is an invitation to a thief. Deny criminals the opportunity to steal by securing your home and property.

And finally, if you do see anyone suspicious lurking around your neighborhood, dial 911, and let the police know. An officer can cruise through the area to check things out, and you don't need to provide your name: the call can remain confidential.

Neighborhood Awareness: The Key To Crime Prevention

Baltimore County Police are asking the public to remember that being a good neighbor can be one of the best crime prevention tools. This is particularly true at this time of the year when various criminals and con artists use the warm weather to take advantage of the elderly. Watchful eyes in the neighborhood can spot criminals and alert police and the community to their presence.

Spring is the time when "deception burglars" reappear in this region. Typically these are criminals on the move who begin working in the southern states and head north during the spring and summer to New England.

Deception burglars generally work in pairs. One member approaches the victim, pretending to be someone benevolent: perhaps a contractor looking for work or a utility worker out to test a system. The criminal may also pose as a family friend of a relative, or the friend of a neighbor. While that criminal distracts the victim, another moves through the house, seeking out valuables. Often the victim doesn't even know he or she has been victimized for hours or days.

Other criminals are con men, posing as contractors, who convince victims something is wrong with their home. They ask for payment in cash, do a shoddy job, and then disappear.

The elderly are the most likely targets of these criminals, since they tend to be trusting, and very concerned about their property, their relatives and their neighborhood.

Local residents can help their elderly neighbors by checking in on them, and keeping an eye on them. If, for example, a neighbor sees an elderly resident in conversation with a stranger, they could politely inquire about what is going on. If residents see strangers sizing up their neighbors' home, that could also be a sign something is wrong. In that case, a call to 911 will get an officer to the scene to check things out.

Involvement such as this builds stronger bonds between neighbors, and helps maintain safe neighborhoods.

Sheds And Garages: Lock 'Em Up

The Baltimore County Police Department wants to remind residents to lock their sheds and garages. Officials say the best deterrent to keep thieves from stealing your property is a lock and key. Don't assume you are safe from these unwanted people just because you are at home.

Oftentimes, burglars watch and wait to see where you are and what you are doing. Sheds and garages are often left open and unattended as we do yard work or other outdoor activities. The thief is counting on us to become lax in our security.

To avoid losing valuables, remember to close and lock doors to your garage, shed and home. This is especially true if you are in the front yard and the storage area is in the back. It takes almost no time for a thief to come and go with your property.

Take the time to reacquaint yourself with your old neighbors and meet the new ones. Why not suggest a neighborhood watch to protect and look out for one another's property. Let your neighbors know when a suspicious person has been spotted in your area. Neighbors working together for each other's well-being are the foundation for a happy community.

Make life difficult for a burglar, use locks and keys to protect your property. If you see a suspicious person or notice an unusual situation around your house or that of a neighbor, call 911.

Keep Patio Doors Locked

This time of year we all like to let the fresh air into our homes. And as the warm summer months approach we need to remember some summer safety tips to avoid those pesky summer pests: burglars.

Here are a few recommendations from the Baltimore County Police Department's Burglary Unit:

  • Never leave a patio door unlocked while away from home. Security experts recommend a security bar placed between the sliding door and the doorjamb. These bars are often referred to as "Charlie bars." Don't assume that the latch on the door is secure enough to ward off a thief. Lock the door at night as well to keep out unwanted guests.
  • Always lock windows on the first floor or ground floor. This applies even if there is an enclosed or screened-in porch. It takes so little time and effort to cut through screen mesh and gain access to a home or apartment.
  • Always secure windows and doors in the basement. It can be easy to forget about this area of the house during the summer months when we're running in and out doing chores.

Some other areas to lock up when not in use: those sheds and garages. When not using them, lock them. Thieves often wait for residents to leave the area, if only for a moment, to raid the shed or garage. And don't forget to lock the windows of the garage too. If there is an entrance to the house through the garage, a thief can enter your residence while you are out tending to the garden or washing your car.

Enjoy all that summer has to offer but don't let your house become a target for burglars.

Elderly Warned To Be Alert For Deception Burglaries

Baltimore County police are warning residents - especially the elderly and their relatives - to be aware that deception burglars are again at work, and have struck in some County neighborhoods. These criminals generally target senior citizens by deceiving and distracting the victim. In recent crimes, the suspects have posed as water department employees, BGE workers, or contractors pointing to a problem with a fence or a roof. These criminals have also been known to use a mother and child to deceive their victims.

While the victim is distracted by this member of the team, an accomplice slips into the house, going through it quietly looking for valuables and cash. The victim is outside, totally unaware of the deception.

All residents should take certain precautions if there is a stranger at the door. Never step outside of your house with someone you don’t know. Never allow a stranger to come into your house, even if it appears to be a person in trouble or someone claiming to be a friend of a neighbor. Be suspicious of utility workers who arrive unannounced. Utilities call ahead before they send over workers or technicians.

Residents should keep their house secure. Anyone worried about a suspicious stranger should call 911 right away with a description of the individual. Do not put off calling. Police need to know what is happening on your street right away.

Neighbors of the County's elderly can help as well, by watching what is going on outside the homes of seniors. Adult children of senior citizens should remind their parents of the possible dangers.

Investigators believe many deception burglaries don’t get reported. In some cases, victims may not even realize they’ve been victimized until long after the fact. Weeks later they might go looking for a piece of jewelry or a precious heirloom, and it’s just not there. In some cases, victims don’t report these incidents because they are embarrassed, or they fear retribution. But these victims should understand that neglecting to call may allow a criminal to go free and victimize someone else.

Burglars Shun Good Locks And Lights

The Baltimore County Police Department says there are specialty locks that will frustrate many burglars.

Police say a burglar placed under arrest told them that there are two types of locks that he and other thieves avoid.

The locks are described as hidden shackle locks. These locks are often used on tractor trailer doors, but some homeowners and businesses are using them on storage sheds and other structures easily accessed from the outside.

These locks can be purchased at home improvement and hardware stores. The locks are effective because, as the thief told police, there is no real practical way to cut the lock with bolt cutters. Furthermore, prying them out of the door is time consuming and noisy. The core of the lock is set into the lock. The investment is minimal, about $40, but the peace of mind is invaluable.

The other locks the thief referred to are used to secure ATVs and dirt bikes. The locks are simple, yet effective. One lock is a disc brake lock and attaches to a wheel on the bike or ATV. For those who want to spend a little more on security, there is a more sophisticated lock that has a built-in motion detector alarm. The locks can be purchased at motorcycle shops, online, and at some home improvement stores. Some stores will special order a lock if necessary. The locks range in price from $40 upward to about $90.

The last piece of security mentioned by the thief was lighting. He said a simple light shining in a shed or other structure keeps people like himself away. Burglars like to work in the dark.

No one can prevent crime, but these specialized locks along with good lighting will deter would-be thieves.

Windows Open And Convertible Tops Down - An Open Invitation To Theft

Spring is here and summer isn't far behind. Warm, sunny days invite drivers to either roll down the windows, and for some, drive with the top down on their cars. That same wonderful weather makes thieves very happy too.

The Baltimore County Police Department reminds drivers and passengers alike to be cautious when leaving a vehicle open. While it may be inconvenient to put the windows and top up every time the vehicle is parked, it is even more troublesome to find it ransacked.

Many people have items such as cell phones, CDs, CD players, and GPS units that could be easily stolen from the vehicle. There are also important papers often in the glove compartment such as insurance and vehicle registration information. This can help a thief gain personal data that can lead to identification theft. And last but not least, the vehicle can be stolen.

The inside of the vehicle may be hot upon return, but the odds are good that the vehicle will still be there with everything intact.

Got A Bike? Engrave It - Lock It Or Lose It

Bike riding and warm weather are a natural combination. But if your bike is stolen, hiking will be more your speed over the next few months.

The Baltimore County Police Department suggests all bike owners engrave their bikes. It's very simple to do and if needed, owners can go to the local precinct and borrow an engraving tool. Officers say using the ID numbers from a driver's license or Maryland ID card is the best way to mark your bike. Never, never use a social security number as an ID number.

Another suggestion from officers is when storing a bike in a shed or garage, lock and attach it to a lawn mower or other heavy and bulky equipment. Thieves do break into sheds and garages. Attaching a bike to a piece of heavy equipment makes it more difficult to just walk or ride away from the area.

For more information on how to safeguard your bike and other valuables in your home, garage or shed contact your precinct's Community Outreach Officer.

ATV Education & Enforcement Effort

Baltimore County Police are reminding ATV and dirt bike operators of the need to drive their equipment legally and safely, and to protect their dirt bikes and ATVs from thieves.

ATVs are very popular. As the weather gets warmer, police anticipate that more and more operators will be using their ATVs and more and more thieves will look for opportunities to steal them. ATV and dirt bike operators are reminded to keep their vehicles secure, since thieves try to take them from sheds, garages, and even the back of pickup trucks.

Operators are also reminded about the laws governing the use of ATVs and dirt bikes. These rules have been put in place for the safety of ATV operators, their friends, family and neighbors.

  • ATVs and dirt bikes cannot be operated on roadways or public property.
  • They cannot be operated on private property without the express written permission of the property owner. The written consent must be with the operator at all times. Those who operate ATVs or dirt bikes on private property without permission could face trespassing charges.
  • They cannot be operated within 300 feet of a residence.
  • ATVs and dirt bikes cannot be operated between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.
  • All ATVs and dirt bikes operated anywhere in Baltimore County must display a Baltimore County registration permit. Registration can be obtained through the Baltimore County Bureau of Miscellaneous Permit Processing at 410-887-3616.
  • A registration card must be carried and shown when requested by a police officer.
  • Required safety equipment: Headgear is required for minors. All riders are required to have eye protection - protective devices or windscreens to protect the eyes.

Residents anywhere in the County interested in the legal, safe and secure operation of ATVs can check with the Community Outreach Team of their local precinct.

Fraud Often Follows Disasters

Are you ready if a storm destroys your home or business? We’ve seen families uprooted because a tree has been ripped out of the ground by high winds. The Baltimore County Police Department advises residents and those in the business community to gather important paperwork before disaster strikes.

If you must leave your home due to weather conditions, you will need certain documents to identify yourself and your family. Police suggest you do the following:

  • Make copies of birth certificates, driver’s licenses, social security cards, death certificates, bank account numbers, insurance papers and any other bits of information for each member of your family.
  • Take those papers and store them in a watertight locked box, or large waterproof plastic bag.
  • Don’t put the papers in your vehicle until you are in the car and ready to go. Thieves are opportunists and will break into your car to gain access to your valuable papers.

Business owners are advised to protect vital information by scanning, and encrypting paperwork as well as other sensitive files to protect customers, employees, and vendors. If that isn’t feasible, detach the CPU from the rest of the computer and take it with you.

Don’t let thieves steal your hard earned name and reputation. Keep your papers with you at all times.

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