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      2^nd 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