2013-2014 RFCA Board of Governors

The following is a list of the updated Board membership. We will update the website soon as well.

Last Name	First Name	Officer
ALLEN	Ginny
BAYER	Michael	Corresponding Secretary
BYERS*	Mary
CAMPBELL	Doug
CROCKETT	Dave
DAX	Alison
DIPPEL	Alex
DUVALL	Jean
FISHER	Jill
HAMMANN*	Christie
HELFRICH	Eric
HELFRICH	Jennifer	Vice-President
MOORE	Janice	Treasurer
RINEHART	John
RINEHART	Roxanne
SCHMIDT	Del
SCHOFIELD	Janine
SIROTA	Stuart	President
SWOBODA	Lawrence
TILLMAN	Bryan
WAGNER	Ryan
WIJTENBERG	Nick
ZIELKE	Carol	Recording Secretary

* New Member

Tree Applications due this Sunday, September 29

Tree Rodgers Forge is looking to increase the tree canopy in our neighborhood with the help of Blue Water Baltimore (BWB) and you!  

Just go to https://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/yard-tree-order-form/ to sign up before September 29th. From there, Ryan Cosgrove or someone from BWB will do a site visit and agree on a location and tree species which will be planted in November. 

The planting options that are available are: 

1) Please have BWB Plant my tree: Cost $75 includes, tree planting, a 1.5” caliper tree, mulch, tree stakes, tree tie, and gator bag. 

2) I’ll plant my tree: Cost $25. Includes a 0.5” caliper tree, mulch, stakes, tree tie and gator bag.

Please note the following requirements and limitations for a yard tree:

1. Own the house at the requested location and have a 20’ by 10’ planting area or wider.

2. Ensure the trees survival to maturity (to include watering weekly from May to October for the first 2 years of the trees life).  

3. Limit 2 trees per yard.

4. Call Miss Utility a week before the planting (you will be notified before the date).

Questions can be directed to TreeRodgersForge@yahoo.com or RPCosgrove@gmail.com

Thank you for your help-- we look forward to working with you to help keep Rodgers Forge green! 

RFCOP Crime Report - September 16th - 22nd

B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter –Sep 16-22,2013

This is a summary of recent significant police news in your community. For police news from across the entire county, visit our news archive

 

September 22: First Degree Burglary, 600 block of Hillen Road, 21204

Between 1 and 2 p.m., an unknown suspect entered the home through unknown means and took a video game system and a crystal decanter.

September 22: First Degree Burglary, 7000 block of Wardman Road, 21212

Between 9 and 11:30 a.m., an unknown suspect forced open a basement door and took jewelry.

September 22: Unit block of Danforth Court, 21204

At 6:30 a.m., a man was arrested after pointing a knife at an acquaintance. Charges are pending.

September 20: Attempted Armed Robbery - Gun, 8500 block of Loch Raven Boulevard, 21234

At 3:32 a.m., a man entered the 7-Eleven and pointed a handgun at the employee. The employee was unable to open the register, and the suspect fled on foot. The suspect is a black male with a medium build.

September 19: Robbery, Unit block of Astro Court, 21234

At 11:22 a.m., the suspect approached the victim as she was entering her home. The suspect grabbed the victim's purse and demanded money. He also demanded that she take her pants off. The victim refused and the suspect fled without taking anything. The suspect is a black male, 6', with brown hair and a slim build.

September 17: Second Degree Burglary, 1400 block of Taylor Avenue, 21234

Between 7:49 and 8:07 p.m., two men entered the home using a key card. A tool chest was taken. Both suspects are black males in their 30s.

September 17: Third Degree Burglary, 700 block of York Road, 21204

At 12:05 a.m., a man was arrested after kicking in the victim's door. Ji Yoon, 27, of the same building, was charged with burglary.

September 16: Attempted First Degree Burglary, 1600 block of Naturo Road, 21286

At 1:19 p.m., a man opened the cellar doors but did not gain entry. The suspect is a white male, in his 30s, and 5'9" tall.

September 16: Second Degree Burglary, Unit block of Ensor Avenue, 21204

Between 12:01 and 12:55 a.m., a man entered the tow yard at Pollard's Towing and attempted to drive his vehicle through a locked gate.

 

Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com

2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road –

Week of Sep 16-22, 2013

Case #                Crime                                          Date     Time                Address

132601325      Theft – Other                         9/17    5:39 pm          3xx Stevenson Lane

132590525      Identity Theft                         9/16    10:54 am         2xx Brandon Road

132591585      Identity Theft                         9/16    8:37 am           2xx Brandon Road

132640406      1^st degree Burglary                 9/21    8:35 am           4xx Overbrook Road

132601834      4^th degree Burglary                9/17    10:56 pm        68xx Walnutwood Court

 

RFCOP has a new Co Leader, Rob Williams

From rfcop.com

18 September 2013

We'd like to announce to everyone that RFCOP has a new Co Leader, Rob Williams will be joining John and Karen Falconer as Co Leader of the C.O.P. Rob, as some may know, has extensive knowledge of the community, has been involved in the C.O.P. and has tirelessly patrolled and contributed to the community for many years. Rob was previously leader and actually talked us into volunteering. Thank you Rob for stepping up, again!

The RFCOP would like to thank Stu Sirota, President of the RFCA, and so many others in the community for your support and participation in the C.O.P.!

Rob Williams just announced a new program, KOPS (Keep Our Property Safe). The concept of KOPS is to encourage residents to keep inventory of valuable property. In the event of theft, this will aid Law Enforcement in locating property and making you're stuff less attractive to thieves. More info coming soon!

From our Residents and Neighboring Communitites:

Vandalism Alert – 9/21/13

Two out of the last four Saturday nights have seen several incidents of individuals ripping off side view mirrors from vehicles. Most, if not all of the vandalism has occurred from Old Trail south to Murdock. Vehicles on Heathfield, Dumbarton, Dorking & Regester have also been vandalized. From all of the reports, it looks like the vandalism has occurred between 11:30 p.m. -1:30 a.m. For any neighbors in the already affected streets and everyone else, please be alert to anyone who might be out on the streets during those times. Hopefully, the pending rain will deter any possible acts of vandalism.

 

A Second 1st Degree Burglary In A Week

I just checked the www.spotcrime.com report. There was a break in in the 400 block of Overbrook. The call was placed at 8:35 a.m. on Saturday 9/21. CC# 132640406. This occurred exactly one week after a burglary in the 100 block of Glen Argyle. I patrolled from 2:15 a.m. until 4:15 a.m. Saturday morning. I don't recall seeing any suspicious activity on my rounds. I don't have any other information regarding this break in. There should be additional information when the precinct posts its report on their site later today or tomorrow. There also was a Theft(Other) case from the 300 block of Stevenson on 9/17 along with 2 Identity Theft cases, unless one is a duplicate case from the 200 block of Brandon on 9/16.

 

Attempted Car Break-in Heathfield Road on the "horseshoe"  9/23/13

The top corner driver's side door was scraped and scratched up as if someone was trying to pry the door open from the top corner. Has anyone else had damage like this done to their vehicle? Must of happened night of 9/22/13, early morning of 9/23/13. I never leave anything in my car, hopefully they noticed they weren't getting anything and moved on.

 

Identity cases are again showing up around our area:

A long time ago we posted about Identity theft as presented on the Baltimore County Police web site.  Below is the link to access this information on their web.  Please read this very informative information and implement safe guards to protect yourself.  It can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars to undo the damage identity thieves can cause.

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/economiccrimes/

Message from BCPD re: Thefts, Security Measures

Once again I am asking everyone to spread the word throughout your communities requesting that folks always properly secure their property when not using it. We still have individuals walking through all Towson communities looking for unsecured, unattended property that can easily be removed from yards, vehicles, garages, sheds at all times of the day and night. Officers from Towson Precinct have made numerous arrests and recovered a lot of property in the past reference these type of offenses but sadly people still walk about our neighborhoods and remove property from others that is left out unattended, unsecured.  We all need to do our part to make Towson as safe as possible for everyone.

We all need to put our stuff away when not using it, and once a lawn mower or bicycle is put into a shed or garage that building needs to be closed and locked properly.  Don't leave items of value--GPS, cell phones, loose change, etc--in plain view inside of an unlocked vehicle. Instead either take these items into the house with you or place them out of sight in the car then properly close and lock the car. Coming or going from your home don't just keep an eye on your own property but also be observant to everything going on around you. Should you see someone unfamiliar to you in your neighborhood or activity that you recognize as illegal/unlawful then please call 9-1-1 immediately so that our Officers may respond and properly handle the situation.  Not every Citizen-Officer contact results in an arrest, very few do, but at least by our response and investigation we can determine the nature of the situation and handle accordingly. Should the original caller wish to know the outcome of their complaint they can always contact Towson Precinct, 410-887-2361, and request to talk with the Officer or his/her Supervisor in reference.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and assistance with getting this message out to all of your neighbors.

Sgt Stephen Fink, 2815  PC06 COT

RFCOP Crime Report - September 2nd - 15th

B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter –Sep 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

 

September 16: Second Degree Burglary, Unit block of Ensor Avenue, 21204

Between 12:01 and 12:55 a.m., a man entered the tow yard at Pollard's Towing and attempted to drive his vehicle through a locked gate.

September 14: Attempted First Degree Burglary, Unit block of Willow Avenue, 21204

Between 11:30 and 11:55 a.m., an unknown suspect attempted to enter the home by breaking a glass window. Entry was not gained.

September 13 to September 14: First Degree Burglary, 100 block of Glen Argyle Road, 21212

Between 10:30 p.m. on September 13 and 8:05 a.m. on September 14, an unknown suspect cut a screen door and took a bag containing credit cards.

September 13: Robbery, Goucher Boulevard and Prince Road, 21286

At 12:20 p.m., a group of five to six black males assaulted the victim and took his backpack. A 16 year old male was arrested and charged as a juvenile.

September 13 to September 14: Second Degree Burglary, 100 block of Dunkirk Road, 21212

Between 3:15 a.m. on September 13 and 7:30 a.m. on September 14, an unknown suspect broke a window to enter a shed door. Three bicycles were taken.

September 12: Fourth Degree Burglary, 1100 block of Deanwood Road, 21234

At 4:30 p.m., a woman was arrested after taking a package off the front porch. Rebecca Ferrara, 35, of the 2200 block of Westfield Avenue, 21214, was charged with burglary.

September 10 to September 14: Second Degree Burglary, 6600 Walnutwood Circle, 21212

Between 5 p.m. on September 10 and 3 p.m. on September 14, an unknown suspect entered the garage through an unlocked side door. Sports equipment, bicycles, and skateboards were taken

 

 

September 8: Armed Robbery - Home Invasion, 200 block of Donnybrook Lane, 21286

At 11:03 p.m., two suspects entered an apartment through an unlocked door. One suspect pointed a gun at the victims and demanded phones. The suspects fled with video game systems from the home. The first suspect is a black male, 18 to 25 years old,  and 6'1" tall. The second suspect is a black male, 18 to 25 years old, and 5'9" tall.

September 7: First Degree Burglary, 200 block of Linden Terrace, 21286

Between 10 to 11:30 a.m., an unknown suspect entered the home through a family room window. Electronics were taken.

September 7: Second Degree Burglary, 800 block of Taylor Avenue, 21234

At 5:20 a.m., a man kicked the front door glass to enter Sam's Beauty Shop. Hair extensions were taken.

September 6 to September 7: Petty Theft/Fourth Degree Burglary, 6100 block of Falls Road, 21209

Between 4 p.m. on September 6 and 6 a.m. on September 7, an unknown suspect took copper wire from BGE.

September 6: First Degree Burglary, 500 block of Goucher Boulevard, 21286

At 12:29 p.m., two men entered the home through a bathroom window. One suspect was apprehended running from the home but the second was not located.

September 5: Attempted First Degree Burglary, 6100 block of Haddon Hall Road, 21212

At 4:31 a.m., a black male attempted to enter an apartment through a window. He fled when the resident woke up.

September 4 to September 6: First Degree Burglary, 100 block of Charlesbrooke Road, 21212

Between 8 p.m. on September 4 and noon on September 6, an unknown suspect opened a rear garage door and took a bicycle and a lacrosse stick.

September 4 to September 6: Attempted Second Degree Burglary, Unit block of Dunkirk Road, 21212

Between 5 p.m. on September 4 and 5 p.m. on September 6, an unknown suspect broke the handle to the garage and attempted to lift the door. Nothing was taken and entry was not gained.

September 3: Attempted First Degree Burglary, 6600 block of Collinsdale Road, 21234

At 8:41 p.m., a man was arrested after he attempted to break into an apartment by cutting the screen. Warren Dumas, 30, of the 6600 block of English Oak Road, 21234, was arrested by responding officers after a foot chase.

September 3: First Degree Burglary, Unit block of Dowling Circle, 21234

Between 2:30 and 3:11 p.m., an unknown suspect entered the apartment through a sliding glass door and took a computer.

September 3: First Degree Burglary, 7800 block of Hillendale Road, 21234

Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., an unknown suspect entered the apartment through unknown means and took a computer.

September 3: First Degree Burglary, 7800 block of Hillsway Avenue, 21234

Between 8:25 a.m. and 4:50 p.m., an unknown suspect kicked in the front door and took electronics and money.

September 2 to September 4: First Degree Burglary, 1300 block of Mantle Street, 21234

Between 8 a.m. on September 2 and 2:30 p.m. on September 4, an unknown suspect broke a rear window and took electronics, a phone, and money.

September 2: Armed Robbery - Gun, 400 block of York Road, 21204

At 6:50 a.m., a man armed with a handgun entered the Subway and demanded money. The suspect fled on foot after the employee complied. The suspect is a black male, 30 to 40 years old.

 

Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com

2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road –

Week of Sep 9-15, 2013

Case #                Crime                                          Date     Time                Address

132550316      Identity Theft                         9/12    8:13 am           3xx Stevenson Lane

132570399      1^st degree Burglary                 9/14    8:04 am           1xx Glen Argyle Road

132570400      2^nd degree Burglary                9/14    8:09 am           1xx Dunkirk Road

132571613      Destruction of Property        9/14    10:18 pm        3xx Dumbarton Road

132580414      Destruction of Property        9/15    7:39 am           2xx Regester Avenue

132580442      Theft from Motor Vehicle     9/15    8:23 am           4xx Old Trail

132580548      Destruction of Property        9/15    10:07 am         1xx Murdock Road

132580599      Destruction of Property        9/15    10:43 am         2xx Stanmore Road

132581096      Theft from Motor Vehicle     9/15    4:59 pm          1xx Regester Avenue

132580853      2^nd degree Burglary                9/15    1:54 pm          66xx Walnut Circle

                                                                                    (near Bellona and Murdock)

 

From our Residents and Neighboring Communitites:

Police Warning--high tech car thieves

(per the video this is happening across the country)

Be sure you see this CNN short news video.
CNN - Long Beach / LA / Corona - High-Tech Car Theft.....

This is just a little unnerving!  A good reminder not to leave anything of value in your car.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=l7OadDz3Ums

Car Vandalized

I found a car's passenger side mirror in my back yard (corner of Regester and Dorking) at approx 7:15am. Appeared to have been ripped off a car and thrown over the fence (no impact damage). Baltimore County PD was contacted and responded. A quick canvas of the area located a vehicle with a missing mirror--appeared to be a match. Baltimore County responding officer attempted to make contact with vehicle owner. I do not know if the Cpl was successful.

Woman Seriously Injured in Towson Hit and Run

http://towson.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/woman-seriously-injured-in-towson-hit-and-run

Social media predator warning--click on link for full story.

http://fw.to/ypMbhBg

Officials at St. Paul's School for Girls warn parents of online 'predator'
Officials at St. Paul's School for Girls say a "sexual predator" has contacted more than 50 upper-school students at the school through social media, leaving parents and staff there and at other nearby schools on alert.

Tree Rodgers Forge News

Tree Rodgers Forge is looking to increase the tree canopy in our neighborhood with the help of Blue Water Baltimore (BWB) and you!  

Just go tohttps://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/yard-tree-order-form/ to sign up before September 29th. From there, Ryan Cosgrove or someone from BWB will do a site visit and agree on a location and tree species which will be planted in November. 

The planting options that are available are: 

1) Please have BWB Plant my tree: Cost $75 includes, tree planting, a 1.5” caliper tree, mulch, tree stakes, tree tie, and gator bag. 

2) I’ll plant my tree: Cost $25. Includes a 0.5” caliper tree, mulch, stakes, tree tie and gator bag.

Please note the following requirements and limitations for a yard tree:

1. Own the house at the requested location and have a 20’ by 10’ planting area or wider.

2. Ensure the trees survival to maturity (to include watering weekly from May to October for the first 2 years of the trees life).  

3. Limit 2 trees per yard.

4. Call Miss Utility a week before the planting (you will be notified before the date).

Questions can be directed toTreeRodgersForge@yahoo.com orRPCosgrove@gmail.com

Thank you for your help-- we look forward to working with you to help keep Rodgers Forge green!  

RFCA June 2013 Minutes

The June 2013 Minutes of the RFCA have been archived. Click here to view.

RFCOP Crime Report - September 2nd - 8th

Police Impersonator Arrested in Precinct 6/Towson

Jeffrey Pianowski

Baltimore County, Maryland (September 9, 2013) - Baltimore County Police have arrested and charged Jeffrey Pianowski, 41, of the 2700 block of Burridge Road, 21234, with impersonating a police officer and related charges.

On September 3 at 1:16 p.m., an officer responded to the 7-Eleven in the 8600 block of Pleasant Plains Road, 21286, for a call of a man identifying himself as a police officer. The caller told 911 that the man actually worked for a car dealership. When officers responded, they located Jeffrey Pianowski, who was wearing a polo shirt that said police across the back and displaying a badge around his neck. He was wearing a holster with an air pistol on his side, and was driving a silver Chevrolet Impala. Police equipment, including handcuffs, badges, clothing, patches, replica weapons, firearms, ammunition, and vehicle license plates, were recovered from his car and his home.

Search for Additional Victims

Detectives located at least one individual who reported that Jeffrey Pianowski attempted to pull him over for a traffic stop, and they are concerned that he may have done this on more than one occasion.

Jeffrey Pianowski is currently being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center on $150,000 bail.

Police are asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim to call 410-307-2020.

-        Taken from the Balto. Co. iWatch notification

B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter –Sep 2-8,2013

This is a summary of recent significant police news in your community. For police news from across the entire county, visit our news archive

Updates have not been posted as of this time, will include in next weeks report.

 

Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com

2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road –

Week of Sep 2-8, 2013

Case #                Crime                                          Date     Time                Address

132510840      Theft from Motor Vehicle    9/8       12:40 pm         1xx Glen Argyle Road

132460374      Theft from Motor Vehicle    9/3       8:16 am           68xx Pinehurst Road

132460316      Theft from Motor Vehicle    9/3       7:29 am           1xx Regester Avenue

132500449      Destruction of Property        9/7       8:39 am           4xx Regester Avenue

132460192      Theft from Motor Vehicle    9/3       4:41 am           xx Murdock Road

132500756      Attempted Burglary              9/7       11:42 am         xx Dunkirk Road

132460295      Theft from Motor Vehicle    9/3       7:16 am           71xx Rodgers Court

132481611      4^th degree Burglary               9/5       7:03 pm           6xx Stoneleigh Road

132480329      Theft from Motor Vehicle    9/5       12:00 am         5xx Anneslie

 

From our Residents and Neighboring Communitites:

Shared from a neighboring community:

If you DO use a GPS and make sure it's out of the (locked) vehicle, unless you rub the telltale suction cup mark off the windshield (if that's how your GPS mounts), a perp will see that mark and think there's a 50/50 chance the GPS is hidden in the car. 

ALSO (I've suggested this before) do NOT enter your real address as the "Go Home" on your GPS, because if it's stolen while your vehicle is at the mall or wherever, the criminal could take a chance that your home is vacant and think it's a good time to rob it. We have four GPS units and they use an empty lot reasonably near our home address as the "Go Home".  That way when you are on a trip and like to know the arrival time at home, the display will not be too far off.

Break In Posted Sep 5

**A friend of mine posted on FB that early this morning at 4:25a, a man tried to break into one of her first floor windows. The outside and inside lights were on. One of her children HEARD the noise and scared him off!! His arm was actually IN THE WINDOW! This was in a neighborhood directly adjacent to Rodgers Forge. Everyone remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Just thought I would share!

**That was my sister in law. She lives on Hadden Hall just before Charles St. off Stevenson Lane. This is walking distance from us. The would be robber was trying to get in by taking out a window AC unit.

Broken Car Window Posted Sept. 6

 

Someone threw a rock through our back car window last night. We were parked in our alley on Regester. Nothing was in the car to be taken. Police report was filed.

Items stolen from car, but no sign of break in????  Posted Sept. 9

So my wife and I both had or Acura's gone through and things are missing. The cars weren't torn apart. I'm assuming they were trying to be fast because we are on Dumbarton Rd, by Pinehurst and there tends to be traffic. I had my drivers stolen out of my golf bag. The weird thing is there was no sign of a break in. The doors were locked and the windows were up.

This leads me to ask if any other breaking we're in a Honda or Acura? I'm wondering if someone has figured out an easy way to access this make...?

Towson Clean Up Day - Sat, October 19th

Towson Clean Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, October 19 from 9am-12noon. Are there any potential projects in your neighborhood? As usual we will have TU students available to help with neighbor adult-supervised projects.

We can do:

• Picking Up Trash
• Painting Over Graffiti
• Park Clean-ups
• Plantings
• Weeding
• Mulching
•  Helping neighbors in need

The American Legion is also looking for volunteers to help with the clean-up of their stream bed – Towson Run.

You can have neighbors email me at mertel@jacobscompany.com if they want to log in their project and request student help. The American Legion will provide lunch for those who want to come up.

We will also have a pick-up truck to come get debris, bags, bulky items to bring to the central dumpster.

--

Greater Towson Council of Community Associations ("GTCCA")
gtccainformation@gmail.com

www.gtcca.org

RFCA and Baltimore County Team Up to Work on Rat Problem: Residents Must Do Their Part or Face Stiff Fines

 

 

In response to the many requests for help with rat issues, the Rodgers Forge Community Association and Baltimore County Code Enforcement have worked together to start another round of sweeps through the entire community starting in September and continuing until all neighbors  are in compliance and educated about rat prevention. 

The violations the County will be looking for are:

● Improper storage of trash not in a can with a lid

● Rat harborage

● Presence of dog feces

● Trash/junk and debris

Neighbors need to be aware that these inspections by the County are serious and costly. 

There will be no correction notices or warnings. The minimum citation is $150.00 per violation seen on the property.  

According to the Baltimore County web site, “Rats are prolific breeders so rodent control measures must include the elimination of the food, water and harborage necessary for them to carry on the breeding process.”      

To comply with the Baltimore County codes, avoid hefty fines, and help rid your yard of rats, follow these steps:

● Examine your trash cans frequently and replace if cracked or damaged (many in our alleys have rat holes in them)

● Make sure every trash can has a tightly sealed lid

● Do not allow trash cans to overfill or place trash bags, outside of cans, in the alley 

● Clean up and bag all yard debris and other junk. Do not accumulate building supplies, and if you must store materials outside, try to elevate them.

● Clean up all dog feces immediately and store it in a sealed trash can

● Do not leave outside: dog food, bird seed, or food scraps in compost piles

● Empty watering cans, water toys, and other equipment where standing water can accumulate

● Keep your grill clean and covered

● When a rat hole is present, take action every day until it is gone. Use traps, poison, and plug up the holes (steel wool usually works).

● Talk to your neighbors about doing the same and to share tips for what works

Of the 40 visits the RFCA has made to homes with complaints, 95 percent of them had dog feces in the yard or the neighbor’s yard.  Rats live within three yards from where you see them.  Inspect your property, and help your neighbors inspect their properties, as well.

The Baltimore County web site details why rats are dangerous: “Rats can destroy or contaminate food supplies. Rodent feces and urine are a source of gastrointestinal diseases such as Salmonellosis or E-coli infections, and respiratory diseases such as Hantavirus. The rat flea has been an important agent of transmission for Plague and Murine typhus.”    

All neighbors must work together, alley by alley and yard by yard, to eliminate the food sources for rats. The expectation is that every resident does what it takes to keep rats out of his or her yard. Be vigilant, and they will be eliminated. Ignore them, and they will stay and reproduce. 

Become an expert, take responsibility for your yard and your alley, and make others aware of problems. If they do not comply and are not fined, call the County immediately and report the issue at 410-8787-RATS or: 

 www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/permits/ratattack/ratcomplaints.html

 

The sweeps will be followed by a County approved rat eradication program.  There will be follow-up sweeps by County code enforcement.  

Herring Run Nursery Open

From Tree RF:

On behalf of Tree Rodgers Forge I wanted to let everyone know that the Herring Run Nursery will be open select days as part of their 2013 retail season! Herring Run Nursery is a non-profit nursery operated by Blue Water Baltimore that sells more than 200 varieties of native trees, shrubs, vines, and flowers to both retail and wholesale customers. 

RFCOP Crime Report - August 26th - September 1st, 2013

B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter –Aug 26- Sep 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

September 2: Armed Robbery - Gun, 400 block of York Road, 21204

At 6:50 a.m., a man armed with a handgun entered the Subway and demanded money. The suspect fled on foot after the employee complied. The suspect is a black male, 30 to 40 years old.

September 1: Attempted Robbery/First Degree Assault, Altura Court and Deanwood Road, 21234

At 3 p.m., the suspect approached the victim as he was sitting in his car. The suspect displayed a knife and demanded money. The suspect stabbed the victim, but the victim was able to drive away. No property was taken. The victim drove himself to the hospital for treatment. The suspect is a black male, with a medium complexion and short black hair.

August 30: First Degree Rape, 400 block of Campus View Drive, 21204

Between 12:53 and 1:20 a.m., a woman reported being sexually assaulted outside a party. She advised that she was sitting on a bench when two men pinned her onto the ground and assaulted her. The Special Victims Unit is investigating.

August 29 to August 30: Fourth Degree Burglary, 400 block of Regester Avenue, 21212

Between 11 p.m. on August 29 and 6 a.m. on August 30, an unknown suspect entered the yard and cut cable locks to take three bicycles from the deck.

August 29: Fourth Degree Burglary, 1500 block of  Clearwood Road, 21234

Between 3:45 and 4:30 p.m., an unknown suspect took a UPS package from the home.

August 28: First Degree Burglary, 8700 block of Loch Bend Drive, 21234

Between 5:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., an unknown suspect forced open an apartment door and took electronics.

August 28: First Degree Burglaries, 900 block of Southerly Road, 21286

Between midnight and 11 a.m., an unknown suspect entered three apartments and took cell phones, electronics and a wallet. No force was used to enter the apartments.

August 27: Robbery, Glendale Road and Loch Raven Boulevard, 21234

At 12:20 a.m., two suspects approached the victim and one suspect struck the victim with a board. The suspects took the victim's wallet and fled on foot. The suspects are two black males, 18 to 20 years old, 5'10", and 150 pounds.

August 26: Armed Robbery - Gun, 1100 block of Halstead Road, 21234

At 10:30 p.m., two suspects grabbed the victims and placed a gun to one of the victim's heads. A cell phone and a Nintendo DS were taken.

 

Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com

2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road –

Week of Aug 26 - Sep 1, 2013

Case #                Crime                                          Date     Time                Address

132440369 Theft of Motor Vehicle    9/1    7:44 am      4xx Regester Ave

132411363  Theft - Other                            8/29 6:52 pm      4xx Stevenson Lane

132420500 2nd degree Burglary                8/30 9:20 am      4xx Rodgers Court

 

From our Residents:

Another car theft this morning on Rodgers Court

I am beyond frustrated! This is now the 2nd time this has happened to us. Once for each car. The first time my husband's wallet and pocket knife were stolen. This time nothing of real value seems missing but I put in the police report anyways. Hopefully this will help track theses numerous break ins. Just want to put the warning out there, lock your cars, don't leave any valuables in your car. But that doesn't really matter anyways, because they still broke into mine!??!! Obviously these people have no clue what they are doing...because the stuff of real value in my car was my $300 car seat and my $300 stroller! LOL! Suckers!

Car theft on Pinehurst

They got me too. Grrrr. The car was unlocked and they took my wallet. That's what happens when you have a baby and a puppy to get in and out of the car. I feel so stupid! Filed a police report. Cancelled my credit cards. Now it's off to the MVA for a new license. Just what I wanted to do today.

They got my wife's car on Regester at Pinehurst. My fault for not making sure the doors are locked last night. Thankfully they only checked the glove compartments and only left a frustrating mess behind

Below is an example of the conversations taking place amongst our residents and COP members.  PLEASE KEEP THIS TYPE OF COMMUNICATION UP!!  It helps everyone stay informed and a better knowledge to all of us of what it taking place.  Each paragraph is a different individuals post.  I do not include names for privacy to those who posted.  If you are on Nextdoor Neighbor site you can see the full posts and who they were from.

Taken from the Crime & Safety Section:

**Hi folks,
I'm writing after reading about the most recent Car Break Ins and Bike Thefts. I have also had both happen to me in the past and am totally sympathetic. After living in the city for many years, I quickly (and unfortunately) learned the hard way about our car. Simply stated, you just have to ensure that there is nothing left in the car to attract these knucklehead thieves. No Wallet, Purse, GPS, Phone, Spare Change, Keys...Nothing! If nothing is visible, the likelihood of someone rifling through you're car will be tremendously reduced.
Bikes in the yard, also not a great idea. These people don't care whose bike it is, if it's there, it's now theirs! Lock them up or put them in the cellar, shed or garage. When I was a kid, I had one of mine stolen due to my own carelessness. My Mom and Dad wanted me to learn from that carelessness by not buying me a new one. I had to work for a whole summer to save my money for a new one. Amazingly, I was never careless with my bike again! While out on C.O.P. Patrols, I am forever seeing Bikes, Razors, and Skateboards left out, many in the alley just begging t be stolen! Also, I know these people are invading our neighborhood at different times. Probably scoping out their booty during daylight hours, then returning later to steal you're stuff. Please, please, please lock you're stuff up!

**My neighbor(s) on the 400 block of Regester just called 911 (2:15 pm) because they saw kid walking down street and looking in all of the driver's windows and even looked to be taking photos. Police on their way.

**Txxx had a bike stolen within past couple of days. Her purple mountain bike
**Kxxxx - please let us know if your neighbors can provide a description of the kid here.
**This is the description I gave to police: black male (fairly dark skinned) aged 13-16 (probably closer to the older end). 5'9ish, (I said) 149-150 pounds, but may be more like 120-130 (slim build). Short hair but not cropped close to the head. Wearing black short sleeve tee WTH some sort of design on it, black or very dark denim/pants. Carrying a zip around folio (would fit a pad of paper) that was black and red. Carrying a cell phone which he was either texting or taking photos. He very obviously looked directly in every single drivers side car window he passed. This was a school age kid, and was seen prior to any school in the area being dismissed for the day.

**I was walking up Dumbarton around the time he was in the neighborhood. I saw him. Fortunately, he saw me wearing my Citizens On Patrol shirt w/ bold red letters that say C.O.P. on the back of the shirt. He wasn't too sure of me & I don't think he was all that comfortable as we crossed paths w/ each other. He wasn't doing anything suspicious when I saw him. Hopefully my wardrobe made an impression on him. His mode of travel took him heading west on Dumbarton, so I guess he came from York Road. I did see an officer drive down Regester but that was easily 3 minutes after I crossed paths w/ the subject.

**There were two patrol cars that responded. At least one was already in the neighborhood according to the 911 dispatcher, and I can attest to this as one of the officers was at my door to get a description within minutes of my call. My other neighbor who witnessed the behavior saw another patrol car not long after on Dumbarton. The subject may have already been wary at that point having seen the patrol car.

 

**** Many more conversations could be posted, but the main accomplishment is everyone keeping each other aware of what is going on, things to watch out for and try and guard against. Most importantly, calling police to report the incident.   Let's keep up the communication and awareness please!!