Saturday, December 28, 2013

RFC, Inc Meeting Minutes - November 2013

please click here to view the posted minutes.

RFCOP Crime Report December 16th - 22nd

From your RFCOP:

The Christmas shopping is done, presents opened, dinner complete!  But in a few days ahead rolls in the New Year with celebrations, fireworks, and alcohol for those that drink. 

If you are going out with friends have a designated driver, or take a cab.  If you are hosting a party, take your guests car keys.  If they have enjoyed themselves beyond safe driving capability, call a cab for them.  We are responsible to assist in keeping drunk drivers off the road as they do not have the capacity to judge on their own.  Let us all work together to save a life this year. 

Have a wonderful and safe New Year!!

B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter Dec 13-22, 2013
This is a summary of recent significant police news in your community. For police news from across the entire county, visit our news archive

December 20: Attempted Robbery, 300 block of East Burke Avenue, 21204

At 2:29 a.m., two suspects attempted to force open the front door of the home and one of the suspects displayed a gun. The suspects fled because they were unable to open the door. Both suspects are black males, 20 to 25 years old. One of the suspects had corn rows pulled into a ponytail.

December 19: Armed Robbery - Gun, 800 block of Taylor Avenue, 21286

At 7:40 p.m., the suspect entered the Boost Mobile and pointed a handgun at the employee. The suspect fled after taking money from the register. The suspect is a black male, 18 to 30 years old, 160 pounds.

December 19: First Degree Burglary, 1100 block of Donnington Circle, 21234

Between 5:10 and 5:40 p.m., an unknown suspect entered an unlocked apartment and took a laptop.
Between 9 p.m. on December 18 and 7 a.m. on December 19, an unknown suspect cut the latch to a shed and took tools.
At 7:55 p.m., the victim was sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle. The suspect approached the vehicle and pointed a handgun at the victim. The driver pulled away, and the suspect fled. The suspect is a black male, 50 to 60 years old.
At 2:10 p.m., two suspects approached the victim and stole her purse. The suspects were located by responding officers and charged as juveniles.
Between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., an unknown suspect entered the home through the front window and took a ring.
At 2:30 a.m., a man armed with a handgun entered NY Fried Chicken and demanded money. The suspect fled after taking the money. The suspect is a black male, 45 to 50 years old, and 5'7" tall.
Between 3 p.m. on December 17 and 7 a.m. on December 19, an unknown suspect took brass headers from a sprinkler system.
Between 2:45 and 7:04 p.m., a man took a UPS package from the residence. The suspect is a black male, 20 to 25 years old, 5'8" and 170 pounds. He was operating a white work truck.
Between 8 a.m. and 5:20 p.m., an unknown suspect attempted to enter the home by breaking a rear window. Nothing was taken.
At 5:25 a.m., a man armed with a handgun entered the Royal Farms store and displayed a gun. The suspect demanded money from the employee. A second suspect then entered the store and they both began yelling. The suspects fled after taking money from the store. Both suspects are black males, 18 to 22 years old, 5'6", and 150 pounds.
At 5:50 p.m., the suspect pointed a gun at the victim as she sat in her vehicle. He demanded her property, and she gave him her belongings and another purse belonging to her roommate. The suspect is a black male, 6' tall.
At 2:55 p.m., two suspects approached the victim and asked to use his phone. The suspects attempted to run away with the phone when the victim handed one suspect his phone. The victim was able to stop the suspects and get his phone back. Both suspects are black males, 16 to 18 years old.
Between 8:30 a.m. on December 13 and 2 p.m. on December 17, an unknown suspect entered the victim's yard and took metal items.
At 3:40 a.m., two suspects approached the victim as he was walking up to his apartment. They forced the victim to lay on his floor while they ransacked his apartment. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun. The suspects took jewelry and a camera. Both suspects are black males. One suspect was 6' tall.

Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com
2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road –
Week of Dec 16-22, 2013
Case #              Crime                                     Date     Time               Address
133520234      Theft from Motor Vehicle     12/18  4:51 am           3xx Overbrook Road
133520075      Theft from Motor Vehicle     12/18  12:49 am         64xx Blenheim Road
133520662      Theft from Motor Vehicle     12/18  10:59 am         xx Murdock Road
133531196      Destruction of Property        12/19  2:09 pm          2xx Stanmore Road
133521161      Destruction of Property        12/18  4:01 pm          80xx York Road
133521007      Unarmed Robbery                 12/18  2:16 pm          76xx York Road

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

RFCOP Crime Report - December 2nd - 15th

From you RFCOP:
The past year in the Forge has seen many changes and improvements in the safety of our community.  The Nextdoor Neighbor has opened up communications channels not available in the past.  The Rodgers Forge Board has been instrumental in making awareness of what the COP does.  Rob Williams has greatly enhanced the RFCOP by returning and agreeing to be a Co-Leader, replacing Mike Calwell.  Rob’s knowledge of the Forge is not replaceable including his endless hours of patrolling at the very wee hours of the morning.
 
We will always have our regular cycling crime events – summer comes bike, etc thefts – winter comes thefts of packages during the holidays, etc.  But with all your help when crime picks up, you are there reporting, watching and informing everyone so they may watch out also.  Thank you everyone and especially special thanks for all the people who have volunteered to devote innumerable hours of their personal time to patrol in attempts to keep our neighborhood safe.  And last but not least a HUGH thanks to the Baltimore county police, Captain Howard, Councilman David Marks, Sergeant Fink, Ofc. Kristy Fuka of the Hillendale center, and all of the dedicated police officers who have spent many hours responding to calls for assistance of many types of crime.
 
-         Thank you everyone for Lights On, Lock Up, Look out!
 
 
B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter Dec 2-15, 2013
This is a summary of recent significant police news in your community. For police news from across the entire county, visit our news archive
 
At 7:26 p.m., the suspect entered the 7-Eleven store and shot the clerk during a robbery attempt. The suspect is a male, and he was wearing a mask and gloves. Anyone with information is asked to contact 410-307-2020.
Between 5 p.m. on December 7 and 3:30 p.m. on December 8, an unknown suspect broke the lock off a shed and took tools.
Between 2:45 p.m. on December 6 and 7:29 p.m. on December 7, three suspects broke the front window and entered the apartment. Nothing was taken. Three juvenile suspects were identified and charged.
Between noon on December 6 and 3:36 a.m. on December 7, an unknown suspect broke a sliding glass door and took items.
Between 4:30 a.m. on December 5 and 6:44 p.m. on December 6, an unknown suspect entered the basement and took a rifle and a flashlight.
Between 3:50 and 4 a.m., an unknown suspect pushed in a rear window but did not gain entry.
Between 4 and 8:48 p.m., two suspects knocked the victim to the ground and took her phone. The first suspect is a black male, 15 to 18 years old, 5'10" tall. The second suspect is a male, 14 to 17 years old, and 5'8" tall.
 
 
 
At 8:30 p.m., the victim was approached by five to six suspects, and four of the suspects displayed handguns. The suspects took jewelry, money, and a phone from the victim and fled. The suspects are black males, 18 to 25 years old.
Between 12:01 and 6:40 a.m., an unknown suspect entered the home through an unlocked window. The suspects took money, electronics, and car keys. The suspect used the keys to take the victim's car, which was recovered in Parkville.
At 3:25 p.m., two juvenile suspects assaulted the victim at McDonald's. The suspects took his phone and left on an MTA bus. The suspects are two black males, 15 to 18 years old.
 
Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com
2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road –
Week of Dec 2-15, 2013
Case #              Crime                                     Date     Time               Address
133390544      4th degree Burglary                12/5    9:54 am           3xx Dumbarton Road
133401440      Theft Via Internet                  12/06  6:02 pm          xx Dunkirk Road

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Rodgers Forge Home For Rent


3 bedroom 1 bath town home in Rodgers Forge! Recently renovated with refinished hardwood floors, a living room, dining room, kitchen with appliances including dishwasher, and partially finished basement. The full bathroom has a tub/shower and the entire house has lots of natural light and ample closet space. The basement has a washer/dryer, enclosed toilet and additional storage space. New thermal windows, newly upgraded electrical system and new gas heating and central A/C provide the ultimate in economical year-round comfort. The rear porch and fenced yard provide safe, child-friendly recreation and relaxation and easy access to the adjacent elementary and middle school campus. Available now.

Call Larry Saunders at 410-615-6326 for details.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

RFCOP Crime Report - November 25th - December 1st

B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter - Nov 25 – Dec 1, 2013
This is a summary of recent significant police news in your community. For police news from across the entire county, visit our news archive
 
December 1: First Degree Burglary, 6300 block of Southwood Road, 21212
At 1:13 a.m., an unknown suspect entered the home through a rear door and took personal property.
 
November 30 to December 1: First Degree Burglary, 600 block of Bridgeman Terrace, 21204
Between 10 p.m. on November 30 and 8 p.m. on December 1, an unknown suspect used a brick to shatter a sliding glass door. Personal items were taken.
 
November 28 to November 29: First Degree Burglary, 8400 block of Greenway Road, 21234
Between noon on November 28 and 12:55 a.m. on November 29, an unknown suspect entered the apartment by prying open the front door. Personal items were taken.
 
November 27 to November 29: First Degree Burglary, 6900 block of Donachie Road, 21239
Between 6 p.m. on November 27 and 1 p.m. on November 29, an unknown suspect threw a rock through a window to enter the home. Jewelry was taken.
 
November 27: Robbery, unit block of Saturn Court, 21234
At 9:25 a.m., the suspect approached the victim and demanded her cell phone. The suspect struck the victim when she refused to comply. He took the phone and fled on foot. The suspect is a black male, 18 to 25 years old, 5'9", and 150 pounds.
 
November 26: Armed Robbery - Weapon Implied, 6000 block of Falls Road, 21209
At 11:59 p.m., a man entered the Royal Farm store and implied that he had a gun. He fled after taking money from the register. The suspect is a black male, 20 to 25 years old, 5'8", long black hair, and a muscular build.
 
Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com
2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road –
Week of Nov 25 – Dec 1, 2013
Case #              Crime                                     Date     Time               Address
133290916      Theft from Motor Vehicle     11/27  1:20 pm          2xx Dunkirk Road
133310804      Theft-Other                            11/27  12:56 pm        72xx York Road
133311285      Theft-Other                            11/27  6:05 pm          2xx Dunkirk
133290129      Arson Case                             11/25  2:16 am           6xx Kingston Road

 

Scams are prevalent in Baltimore County but we can prevent them!

December Scam:  Cell Phones

A woman’s handbag, containing her cell phone, credit cards, wallet, etc., was stolen. Twenty minutes later when she called her hubby from a pay phone telling him what had happened, he says “I received your text asking about our PIN number and I replied a little while ago.” When they rushed to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn. The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text 'hubby' in the contact list and got hold of the pin number. Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.
What should you do?
-

Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list. Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Dad, Mom, etc.
-

And very importantly, when sensitive information is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling back. Or just don't text sensitive information.
-

Also, when you're being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere, be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them. If you don't reach them, be very careful about going places to meet 'family and friends' who text you.

Best regards,
Scott Shellenberger
 
Baltimore County State’s Attorney
 
 

Holiday Crime Prevention

 
 
 

Monday, December 2, 2013

Congratulations to the 2014 RFCA Membership Winners for the Thanksgiving Prizes

$50 Giant Gift Card Jen and Joe Reiter Murdock Road
$50 Eddies Gift Card Charles and Sina Cook Hopkins Road

The official membership drive has ended for 2014 and the directory has gone to print. You may still join RFCA, get a membership card and enjoy the local merchant discounts and support our goals.

Go to PAYRFCA.com and thank you all for your support this year.

Membership cards coming before Christmas, directories after Christmas

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

RFCOP Crime Report November 18th - 24th

The holidays are upon us, that hustle bustle time with too many things to do and not enough time to accomplish what we need to prepare.  We forget to lock that door, turn on that light, unplug our ears from our headphones and keep an attentive eye on what is happening around us.  Maybe wondering if that gift you just picked up is wrong and you should exchange it for something else.  This is thief’s Merry Holidays also!!  Below is this year’s informative information from our wonderful Baltimore County Police on being safe and protecting yourself and your property!!  Please read, please TAKE THE TIME!! 

Holiday Crime Prevention
 
During the holiday season, shoppers may be so busy that they fail to be aware of their surroundings. Careless or unaware shoppers are easy pickings for purse snatchers and street robbers.  Police Chief Jim Johnson says to scan your immediate area; don’t assume that you are secure because there are people around you.
 
"Every good police officer is trained to read the environment. Likewise, you should ask yourself questions when you are out and about,” Johnson says.  For example, when you are in a parking lot or garage, be alert to someone who appears to be standing around for no good reason. He or she might be waiting for someone – or that person could be an opportunist waiting to grab your shopping bags or your purse.
 
Shopping
 
               * Always walk and park in well-lit areas. Park close to the entrance of the store or mall, if possible. Even outside of the mall, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets, walkways and parking areas for walking and parking.
               * Don’t talk on a cell phone when walking through parking lots and streets. Your phone conversation is a distraction that makes you vulnerable to robbers. Keep your full attention on your surroundings. Also, your cell phone itself can be a tempting target to thieves.
               * Don’t electronically unlock your vehicle until you are within door opening distance. This helps stop a thief from getting into the car and waiting to strike when you least expect it.
               * If you are ready to leave the mall and feel uneasy about entering the parking lot or garage by yourself, stay in the mall and ask for a security escort.
               * Do not open your car door to anyone in a parking lot or garage. If you believe you are in danger, call 911 immediately.
               * Don't flash large amounts of cash or offer tempting targets for theft such as expensive jewelry or clothing.
               * Carry a purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by straps. Put a wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants pocket.
               * Don't fumble for car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to use when you reach the car.
               * If you believe someone is following you, cross the street, switch directions, walk into a store or restaurant. If you are really scared, yell. Don't be embarrassed. Your safety is more important.
 
Vehicle Safety
 
               * Always lock your car, even if you are away for only a few moments.
               * Do not leave valuables – gifts, cell phones, purse or clothing – in open view in your car. Take valuables with you, lock them in your trunk, or cover them in an unobtrusive way. 
               * Thieves do their own form of window shopping. They look in parked cars for gifts and other merchandise, and will break through car windows to get at such valuables.
               * When you return to your vehicle after your shopping trip, lock your car door as soon as you get in.

Home
 
               * Always lock your doors and windows, even if you plan to be out for a short while.
               * Leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after dark. Criminals don't like bright places.
               * If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is a sure sign that no one is home, and burglars are tempted to check those envelopes for holiday gifts.
               * When returning home after a shopping trip, be sure to have the house keys in your hand, ready to use when you reach the door.
 
Beware of Purse Snatchers
The stores are putting up decorations, and purse snatchers are practicing their skills. The Baltimore County Police Department wants everyone to be aware that thieves look forward to holidays as much as everyone else – maybe more so! The department asks shoppers to beware of purse snatchers; women carrying pocketbooks are easy prey. The thieves know that during the holidays, shoppers are distracted and are not as careful as they should be when out. 
 
Here are some things that can be done to thwart the would-be thief.
 
               * Keep your purse close to your body.
               * If the pocketbook has long straps, shorten them.
               * If possible, avoid carrying a large purse when shopping.  A fanny pack is compact and more difficult for a thief to grab and run.
               * Carry only the credit cards you intend to use, leave the others behind.
               * Use check cards or checks to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
               * Use ATMs wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine, and use ATMs in high traffic areas.
 
Do Your Homework Before Donating To Charity
 
               * Be wary of any organization that sends unsolicited e-mail to ask for donations. Do not open any attachment associated with suspect messages.
               * If you want to give, find out how an organization accepts donations. 
               * If you have doubts about a group, there are ways to access information on charitable organizations. Donors can check the groups at www.marylandnonprofits.org.
               * Give to organizations with a history of service and commitment to the community.
 
Baltimore County Police Chief Jim Johnson advises consumers to know the organizations that come to them for donations. He says, “Charitable giving is noble, but beware. When approached by charitable groups, ask questions before you give. Your personal information, if you don’t safeguard it, can be used without your knowledge.”
 
Extend The Life Of Your Holiday Gifts: Get Them Engraved
 
Consider having valuable gifts engraved with your driver's license number or Maryland ID number. If the item is stolen and later recovered by police, the engraved number will allow investigators to return the property to you. Engraving also may deter thieves because the identifying information makes it more difficult for them to dispose of or sell valuables.
 
Easy-to-use engraving equipment and instructions are available, free of charge, to Baltimore County residents at County police stations, public library branches and through many Citizens on Patrol chapters.
               * Engrave a driver's license number or Maryland ID number on your property.
               * Never use your Social Security number.
               * Do not limit engraving to your holiday gifts. You can engrave all of your precious possessions.
 
Revised November 18, 2013
 


B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter - Nov 18-24, 2013
This is a summary of recent significant police news in your community. For police news from across the entire county, visit our news archive
 

November 25: First Degree Burglary, 8500 block of Quentin Avenue, 21234

At 2:29 a.m., an unknown suspect entered the home through a sliding glass door. Two dirt bikes were taken from the garage and property was taken from the home.

November 22: Armed Robbery - Knife/Gun, 800 block of Dulaney Valley Road, 21286

At 3:45 p.m., officers responded to Towson Town Center for an armed robbery. Additional details are available in our news release.

November 22: First Degree Burglary, 1200 block of Berwick Road, 21204

Between 8:15 and 9:45 a.m., an unknown suspect entered the home and took jewelry and purses.

November 20 to November 21: Fourth Degree Burglary, 1500 block of Dellsway Road, 21286

Between 10 p.m. on November 20 and 7:30 a.m. on November 21, an unknown suspect broke into the victim's vehicle, which was parked in the back yard.

November 19 to November 21: Fourth Degree Burglary, 1200 block of Edgemont Road, 21286

Between 3:30 p.m. on November 19 and 3 p.m. on November 21, an unknown suspect removed a pressure washer from the back porch.

November 18: Armed Robbery - Gun, 8500 block of Water Oak Road, 21234

At 8:01 p.m., two suspects approached the victim and one suspect pointed a handgun at the victim. The suspects chased the victim when he ran and hit him with the gun. The suspects took the victim's cell phone. The first suspect is a white male, 20 to 25 years old, 6', 220 pounds, with a heavy build. The second suspect is a white male, 20 to 25 years old, 5'7", and 150 pounds.

November 18: First Degree Burglary, 200 block of Washington Avenue, 21204

Between 6 p.m. on November 18 and 7 a.m. on November 21, an unknown suspect took a watch from an apartment.

November 18: First Degree Burglary, 1300 block of Colbury Road, 21239

Between 5 and 6:30 p.m., an unknown suspect entered through the sliding glass door. Electronics, a cell phone, and money were taken
 
Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com
2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road –
Week of Nov 18-24, 2013
Case #              Crime                                     Date     Time               Address
133220490      Theft-Other                            11/18  9:42 am           2xx Regester Avenue
133221534      2nd degree Burglary                11/18  7:37 pm          6200 Charles St. N
133230334      Theft from Motor Vehicle     11/19  8:04 am           3xx Regester Avenue
133241183      Theft-Other                            11/20  3:28 pm          1xx Hearth Court
 
From one of our neighbors--let's all be on the lookout for each other:
"On Friday the 22nd my car was stolen at Cedarcroft - right out of the driveway between the hours of 7:30pm ad 7:30am I also had a package stolen from the front of the house. 

"Please increase your vigilance since it is the holiday season and crime is on the rise - Anything unusual don't hesitate to call 911.  Keep your car and home doors locked at all times."
 
 

Car Thefts on Glen Argyle Oct. 26

Well, as a 7-year resident of Rodgers Forge and happy to say that up to this point, one that has avoided crime - our cars on Glen Argyle were broken into last night. As a neighbor told me - the thieves are slick and have "clickers" to open the cars and avoid breaking windows. 

They got nothing but a favorite (old and cheap) pair of sunglasses (REALLY?? You had to have THOSE??) and some loose change but managed to make a holy mess rifling through things. Just a word of caution to really not keep anything of interest or value in your car. It will walk away!
 

Travelling This Holiday? Octo. 26

Robert Williams 
If you are, make sure you don't advertise you are not home. Make sure your property is secured before leaving. If you're not stopping any deliveries, such as the mail and/or newspaper or you are expecting packages, kindly ask a neighbor to gather your deliveries. Timers on lights are great. One thing many travelers do is just leave the light on the range hood. Believe it or not, that is a sign to potential burglars that you aren't home. Make sure any vehicles left behind are locked and ALL valuables are removed from those vehicles. 

Be safe this holiday weekend and have a great Thanksgiving