Sunday, February 27, 2011
Pennsylvania Avenue Closure Notice
Thursday, February 24, 2011
RFCOP Crime Update Week of Feb 14th - Feb 20th
Police Start E-Ticket Program
The Baltimore County Police Department will be rolling out a new pilot project that officials say will cut down on the amount of time it takes for an average traffic stop.
Officers will stop using their ticket booklets and instead use a computer program called E-tickets. The program is currently used by the State Police.
Colonel William Kelly of the Baltimore County Police Department tells WBAL Radio the technology should cut the average traffic stop from 20 minutes to 10 minutes.
He says after a traffic stop is made, the officer will take the driver's license and swipe it through a reader in the patrol car that will then allow the officer to see all the driver's current information.
At that point, the officer will punch in the violation and a copy of the ticket will print out for the driver.
Colonel Kelly says no longer will the driver have to sign the citation.
The program will also allow other police agencies to see the information and check if you have been pulled over in another area.
In the near future, the police department will put field based reporting into place. That will allow the officer to write the report on his computer in his patrol car and then send the information to his supervisor which will then be forwarded to the court system once it is reviewed and completed.
The E-ticket pilot project is expected to start on March 1st.
Significant Events Report for the week of February 14-20, 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
02/15/11 2355 11-047-0007 Armed Robbery 900 block Goucher Blvd. 21286
The suspects approached the victim at the bus stop. One suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded his property. The suspects obtained the items and fled on foot towards the Courthouse Square apartment complex. 4 B/M’s, 18-25, all wearing black hooded sweatshirts and jeans.
02/18/11 2235 11-049-2143 Armed Robbery Unit block Dowling Circle 21234
The suspects approached the victims in the stairwell of the location. The suspects pointed handguns at the victims and demanded money. The suspects obtained property from the victims. The suspects left in a 2 door black car with tinted windows.2-M/B’s, 18-25, thin builds, both wearing hoodies, mask, and gloves
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
02/17/11 0945-1145 11-048-0827 1st Degree Burglary 1000 block Register Ave. 21239
Unknown suspects forced open the rear sliding door. Once inside property was moved but left behind. Unknown
02/20/11 1100-2200 11-051-1453 1st Degree Burglary 8500 block Willow Oak Rd. 21234
Unknown suspects entered the residence through the basement door. Once inside the suspect removed property from the residence. There were no signs of forced entry. Victim believes an ex-roommate may be responsible. CID is investigating. Unknown
02/17/11-02/18/11 1800-1300 11-050-1383 2nd Degree Burglary 1000 block Cromwell Bridge Rd. 21286
Unknown suspects entered the business by unknown means. Once inside, the suspects removed property. Unknown
02/17/11 2335 11-048-2021 3rd Degree Burglary Unit block Lynflair Ct.
After an argument, the suspect assaulted the victim, destroyed property and left the location. The suspect returned and kicked in the door and fled when the police arrived. The suspect was caught after a brief chase and was arrested.1 Adult Male Arrested
Section Three: Major Crimes – Miscellaneous
(Homicides, Rapes, 1st Degree Assaults, Threats on Officers or Public Officials)
Date Time CC Number Offense Location (Victim Name) Synopsis Suspect Information
02/20/11 0530-0615 11-051-0315 1st Degree Assault 6500 block Chestnut Oak Rd. 21234
The victim was brought to St. Joseph’s hospital by suspect with a stab wound to stomach. After an investigation by the Violent Crimes Unit, suspect was arrested. 1 Adult Male Arrested
Email Alerts 
2.00 Miles around 200 Dumbarton Road
Week of Feb. 4-20, 2011
| Crime | Date | Address |
| Theft | 02/20/11 09:07 PM | 1XX DUMBARTON RD – Theft from Motor Vehicle |
| Assault | 02/15/11 06:09 PM | XX MURDOCK RD – 2nd degree Assault, not domestic |
baltimoresun.com Crime Incident Notification
Week of Feb. 4-20, 2011
Incident # Date Time Description Location
110490050 2/18 12:32 AM DWI Traffic Arrest Dumbarton/York
110501420 2/19 5:02 PM Check on Location Hopkins/Dorking
110510202 2/20 2:30 AM Hit & Run-Prop. Damage York/Hatherleigh
110460963 2/15 2:00 PM Auto Acc. Prop. Damage York/Stevenson
110500760 2/19 11:05 AM Auto Acc. Prop. Damage York/Regester
110511397 2/20 9:07 PM Theft from Motor Veh. Dumbarton/Rodgers Forge
110490093 2/18 1:09 AM Suspicious Condition York/Dunkirk
110510270 2/20 4:16 AM Noise Complaint 1xx Dumbarton
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Using Technology To Fight Crime in Baltimore County
From Towson Patch:
http://towson.patch.com/articles/police-county-executive-roll-out-web-based-crime-fighting-tool
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
New Rodgers Forge Website Launches!
The Rodgers Forge website has had a makeover! Check it out!One of the most common requests we've had in recent years was to provide a way for residents to be informed about our new Historical Designation. We have added a section to the site that specifically addresses this with all the pertinent info. Check under the "About the Forge" tab on the site or to directly access it, click here.
There are still a few further updates planned for the near future so stay tuned, but for now take a look at the changes and let us know what you think!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Free Tax Preperation!
Just received the following message sent from Del. Aumann. Hopefully some folks can take advantage of this:
Dear Constituents,
Today the Community Assistant Network, Inc. stopped by my office and told me of a program that you might be interested in. It is a free tax preparation service. The eligibility requirements are: for a family of two or more who made $49,000 or less or a single tax filer who made $25,000 or less. To schedule a free appointment online go to www.bmorefreetaxes.org or call for an appointment 410-234-8008 (Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM until 11:00 PM). Please feel free to share this information with your friends and family.
Very truly yours,
Delegate Susan L.M. Aumann
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
RFCOP Alert: Stolen Car Parts
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Concerning car part thefts in the area. Below is information sent to me from one of our Rodgers Forge neighbors.
"I live at the intersection of Brandon and Lanark. I thought I would let you
know that the entire front bumper (lights and all) and the airbag were
stolen from our Acura TL last night (Tues, 15th). Car was locked and parked
on the street just past our house. We did not hear anything. Police said
persons who did it are likely professionals with body shop experience. They
also said five other Acura's had the same thing happen last night in our
general area. They told me that these persons are targeting Acura's,
Hondas, and other foreign cars."
If you or anyone you know has seen anything that might involve this incident
- a suspicious person, truck, anything - please do not hesitate to report to
the police
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
RFCOP Crime Update Week of Feb 7th-13th
RF Crime Report week of Feb 7-13, 2011
Significant Events Report for the week of February 07-13, 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
02/10/11 2030 11-041-1642 Armed Robbery Hillsway Ave./Melby Ct. 21234
The suspects approached the victims and pointed handguns at them. The suspects obtained property from the victims. Police responded and checked the area with the victims. The victims were able to identify one of the suspects. The suspect was arrested. IST is investigating the case. The second suspect has not been identified. 1 Adult Male Arrested
02/12/11 0945 11-043-0525 Armed Robbery 8100 block Loch Raven Blvd. 21286
The suspect entered the bank and passed a note to the teller. The teller and assistant manager handed over money to the suspect. B/M, 35-50, 5-9 to 5-10, 280 lbs, dark complexion.
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
02/08/11 0600-1610 11-039-1539 1st Degree Burglary 100 Dumbarton Rd. 21212
An unknown suspect entered the apartment by unknown means and stole property. Unknown
02/14/11 0301 11-045-0132 2nd Degree Burglary 8400 block Oakleigh Rd. 21234
An unknown suspect broke the window to enter the store. The suspect took property and fled from the location in a silver 4 door vehicle. W/M
02/09/10-02/10/10 0900-1138 11-041-0669 and 11-041-1065 3rd Degree Burglary 100 block York Rd. 21204
Over a period of two days the suspects removed scrap metal from the above location. The suspects were arrested. 2 Adult Males Arrested
02/11/11-02/12/11 1630-1022 11-043-0563 3rd Degree Burglary 6900 block Lachlan Circle 21286
Suspects broke into the vacant apartment and damaged the property. Unknown
baltimoresun.com Crime Incident Notification
Week of Feb. 7-13, 2011
Incident # Date Time Description Location
110430167 2/12 2:07AM Noise Complaint 2xx Rodgers Forge Rd- Apts.
110381878 2/07 11:06PM Noise Complaint Murdock, below Blenheim
110430323 2/12 5:58AM Noise Complaint Dumbarton near Heathfield
110440016 2/13 12:10AM Noise Complaint York Rd and Dunkirk
110410092 2/10 1:44AM Disturbance Dumbarton & Rodgers Forge Rd. – Apts.
110380427 7/07 9:01AM Disturbance York Rd. near Royal Farms
110430316 2/12 5:26AM Disturbance 7XXX Heathfield
110381547 2/07 6:54PM Hit-Run- Prop. Damage Dunkirk below Blenheim
Email Alerts
3.00 Miles around 200 Dumbarton Road Baltimore, MD 21212
Portable GPS safety tips
This from a neighbor:
For anyone who uses a portable GPS in a vehicle:
Do NOT enter your actual home address as the 'Go Home" waypoint.
- If your GPS is stolen from your vehicle when you're out somewhere away from home, not only does the thief have your GPS but your exact home address.
- The fact that your GPS was stolen while you were out tells the thief your house might be unoccupied.
I use a non-existent house number on my street, which is close enough when I'm departing from somewhere and want to know distance and estimated time to my house.
Obviously the same "faux address" is useful if your vehicle has a factory GPS because if your vehicle gets stolen, it can take the thief straight to your door.
One more suggestion is if you suction-cup your GPS to the windshield, not only conceal the GPS when you're away from the vehicle but also rub off the tell-tale suction-cup marks, so a potential thief will not know you have a GPS hidden somewhere
“Giving a Fish a Bath: The Untold story of the Adolescent Mind”
Date: March 3, 2011
Time: 7:00pm
Place: Dumbarton Middle School Auditorium
Sponsored by the PTSA at Towson High School and Dumbarton Middle
Have you seen these dogs?
Monday, February 14, 2011
REMINDER: Towson Arena Public Forum On Tuesday
As promised, a date and location has been finalized for a public meeting to share the final site plans and surrounding elevations of the Towson Center Arena Addition with the greater community. The event is an opportunity for Towson University officials to make an informational presentation to interested community members prior to the May 2011 groundbreaking. For more information about the project, please visit www.tigerarena.com.
Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Minnegan Room, Unitas Stadium Field House
Parking: Available in Lot 20 on Auburn Drive (immediately across from the meeting room)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
An RSVP Volunteer Goes the Extra Step
"For the past 40 years, RSVPs, Retired and Senior Volunteer Programs, across the nation have encouraged individuals age 55 and over to volunteer and be a part of the solution for many of our community problems. By forming partnerships with a wide variety of non-profits and government agencies, Baltimore County’s RSVP has striven to offer a diverse array of service opportunities i.e, one-day or ongoing, short or long–term duration, spread throughout the County, and with all age groups.
RSVP seeks talented and motivated individuals to address problems in areas such as the following: mentoring children, supporting seniors’ independence, alleviating hunger, providing meal delivery, promoting energy-efficiency, offering Medicare Counseling, assisting nursing home residents to resolve problems, housing rehabilitation, preparing for disasters, addressing unemployment, free preparation of taxes, educating about financial literacy, planting trees, cleaning streams, and so much more.
Take that extra step today and call Eddrena Miller, RSVP Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-887-3101 for additional information and to explore volunteer opportunities. (email: emiller@baltimorecountymd.gov )"
Friday, February 11, 2011
Senior Resources
"Dear Constituents,
Senior Resources 2011, a complimentary publication is available for residents and accessible at many locations throughout the County. The directory contains valuable information and resources for living, with a content that ranges from adult day care to recreation and travel. It provides County residents with information about services and options most frequently requested.
Senior Resources 2011 is now available on the Internet at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/seniorresources.
Very truly yours,
Delegate Susan L.M. Aumann
District 42 - Baltimore County
303 Lowe House Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-841-3258; FAX 410-841-3163
susan.aumann@house.state.md.us"
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Report Vacant Homes
If you know of a house that has been sitting vacant for a while and is beginning to appear neglected (uncut grass, exterior in need of maintenance, general disrepair) please let the board know. Once we are aware, we can pursue the necessary steps to bringing the homes up to code and keeping our community to the standards we all expect as neighbors.
We aren't necessarily looking for every house that is currently unoccupied. If the house is currently on the market for sale or rent, is empty but is generally well kept that is ok. We are really looking for the houses that are essentially being ignored.
If you have any prospective candidates for our list please send the address and any additional info you can regarding its condition to board@rodgersforge.org
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
RFCOP Crime Update Week of Jan 31st - Feb 6th
As you can see in this week’s significant events report the first two burglaries took place due to UNSECURED doors/windows, including the 2nd where the resident was at home in Rodgers Forge. Following is an interesting article worth reading on keeping your “castle” safe. The web address is under the authors name if you would like to view other interesting articles they have written. We can never stress enough how important it is to take that extra moment to lock your doors – home or not. This is the first 1st degree burglary in the Forge for a number of weeks. Please help us NOT lose our downward trend we have accomplished on crime in the Forge.
- RF Citizens on Patrol
Home Security
Burglary Prevention Advice
by Chris E McGoey, CPP, CSP, CAM
http://www.crimedoctor.com/home.htm
Your home is your castle...or is it? Is your home really safe once you leave for work or school? Your home is considered a sanctuary where you should feel safe. Your home is the only environment where you have control over who can get close to you or your family. Protecting your home and family from criminal intrusion should be high on your list of priorities. See my web site on Family Security Tips for more information on protecting your family from harm.
Home Burglary
By far, the most common threat to our home is burglary. According to the FBI, a burglary occurs somewhere in the United States every 15.4 seconds. By definition, the crime of burglary is a non-confrontational property crime that occurs when we are not at home. However, becoming a burglary victim can leave a family feeling vulnerable and violated. To avoid becoming a burglary victim, it is important to first gain an understanding of who commits them and why.
The majority of home and apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or school. The summer months of July and August have the most burglaries with February having the fewest crimes. Burglaries are committed most often by young males under 25 years of age looking for items that are small, expensive, and can easily be converted to cash. Favorite items are cash, jewelry, guns, watches, laptop computers, VCRs, video players, CDs and other small electronic devices are high on the list. Quick cash is needed for living expenses and drugs. Statistics tell us that 70% of the burglars use some amount force to enter a dwelling, but their preference is to gain easy access through an open door or window. Ordinary household tools like screwdrivers, channel-lock pliers, small pry bars, and small hammers are most often used by burglars. Burglars continue to flourish because police can only clear about 13% of all reported burglaries and rarely catch the thief in the act.
Although home burglaries may seem random in occurrence, they actually involve a selection process. The burglar's selection process is simple. Choose an unoccupied home with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and with the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.
Doors and Locks
The first step is to harden the target or make your home more difficult to enter. Remember, the burglar will simply bypass your home if it requires too much effort or requires more skill and tools than they possess. Most burglars enter via the front, back, or garage doors. Experienced burglars know that the garage door is usually the weakest point of entry followed by the back door. The garage and back doors also provide the most cover. Burglars know to look inside your car for keys and other valuables so keep it locked, even when parked inside your garage. Use high quality Grade-1 or Grade-2 locks on exterior doors to resist twisting, prying, and lock-picking attempts. A quality deadbolt lock will have a beveled casing to inhibit the use of channel-lock pliers used to shear off lock cylinder pins. A quality door knob-in-lock set will have a 'dead latch' mechanism to prevent slipping the lock with a shim or credit card.
- Use a solid core or metal door for all entrance points
- Use a quality, heavy-duty, deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt
- Use a quality, heavy-duty, knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism
- Use a heavy-duty, four-screw, strike plate with 3-inch screws to penetrate into a wooden door frame
- Use a wide-angle 160° peephole mounted no higher than 58 inches
The most common way used to force entry through a door with a wooden jamb is to simply kick it open. The weakest point is almost always the lock strike plate that holds the latch or lock bolt in place followed by a glass paneled door. The average door strike plate is secured only by the soft-wood doorjamb molding. These lightweight moldings are often tacked on to the door frame and can be torn away with a firm kick. Because of this construction flaw, it makes sense to upgrade to a four-screw, heavy-duty, high security strike plate. They are available in most quality hardware stores and home improvement centers and are definitely worth the extra expense. Install this heavy-duty strike plate using 3-inch wood screws to cut deep into the door frame stud. Use these longer screws in the knob lock strike plate as well and use at least one long screw in each door hinge. This one step alone will deter or prevent most through-the-door forced entries. You and your family will sleep safer in the future.
Sliding-Glass Patio Doors
Sliding glass doors are secured by latches not locks. They are vulnerable to being forced open from the outside because of these inherently defective latch mechanisms. This can be easily be prevented by inserting a wooden dowel or stick into the track thus preventing or limiting movement. Other blocking devices available are metal fold-down blocking devices called "charley bars" and various track-blockers that can be screwed down.
The blocking devices described above solve half the equation. Older sliding glass doors can be lifted up and off their track and thereby defeat the latch mechanism. To prevent lifting, you need to keep the door rollers in good condition and properly adjusted. You can also install anti-lift devices such as a pin that extends through both the sliding and fixed portion of the door. There are also numerous locking and blocking devices available in any good quality hardware store that will prevent a sliding door from being lifted or forced horizontally. Place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system, a dog, or block watch/operation identification is in place. Burglars dislike alarm systems and definitely big barking dogs.
- Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors
- Keep the latch mechanism in good condition and properly adjusted
- Keep sliding door rollers in good condition and properly adjusted
- Use anti-lift devices such as through-the-door pins or upper track screws
- Use highly visible alarm decals, beware of dog decals or block watch decal
Windows
Windows are left unlocked and open at a much higher rate than doors. An open window, visible from the street or alley, may be the sole reason for your home to be selected by a burglar. Ground floor windows are more susceptible to break-ins for obvious reasons. Upper floor windows become attractive if they can be accessed from a stairway, tree, fence, or by climbing on balconies. Windows have latches, not locks and therefore should have secondary blocking devices to prevent sliding them open from the outside. Inexpensive wooden dowels and sticks work well for horizontal sliding windows and through-the-frame pins work well for vertical sliding windows. For ventilation, block the window open no more than six inches and make sure you can't reach in from the outside and remove the blocking device or reach through and unlock the door.
In sleeping rooms, these window blocking devices should be capable of being removed easily from the inside to comply with fire codes. Like sliding glass doors, anti-lift devices are necessary for ground level and accessible aluminum windows that slide horizontally. The least expensive and easiest method is to install screws half-way into the upper track of the movable glass panel to prevent it from being lifted out in the closed position. As a deterrent, place highly visible decals on the glass door near the latch mechanism that indicates that an alarm system, a dog, or block watch/operation identification system is in place.
- Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices
- Block accessible windows open no more than 6 inches for ventilation
- Make sure someone cannot reach through an open window and unlock the door
- Make sure someone cannot reach inside the window and remove the blocking device
- Use anti-lift devices to prevent window from being lifted out
- Use crime prevention or alarm decals on ground accessible windows
Be a Good Neighbor
Good neighbors should look out for each other. Get to know your neighbors on each side of your home and the three directly across the street. Invite them into your home, communicate often, and establish trust. Good neighbors will watch out for your home or apartment when you are away, if you ask them. They can report suspicious activity to the police or to you while you are away. Between them, good neighbors can see to it that normal services continue in your absence by allowing vendors to mow your lawn or remove snow. Good neighbors can pick up your mail, newspapers, handbills, and can inspect the outside or inside of your home periodically to see that all is well. Good neighbors will occasionally park in your driveway to give the appearance of occupancy while you are on vacation.
Allowing a neighbor to have a key solves the problem of hiding a key outside the door. Experienced burglars know to look for hidden keys in planter boxes, under doormats, and above the ledge. Requiring a service vendor to see your neighbor to retrieve and return your house key will send the message that someone is watching. This neighborhood watch technique sets up what is called territoriality which means that your neighbors will take ownership and responsibility for what occurs in your mini-neighborhood. This concept works in both single family homes communities and on apartment properties. This practice helps deter burglaries and other crimes in a big way. Of course for this to work, you must reciprocate and offer the same services.
- Get to know all your adjacent neighbors
- Invite them into your home and establish trust
- Agree to watch out for each other's home
- Do small tasks for each other to improve territoriality
- While on vacation - pick up newspapers, and flyers
- Offer to occasionally park your car in their driveway
- Return the favor and communicate often
Lighting
Interior lighting is necessary to show signs of life and activity inside a residence at night. A darken home night-after-night sends the message to burglars that you are away on a trip. Light timers are inexpensive and can be found everywhere. They should be used on a daily basis, not just when you’re away. In this way you set up a routine that your neighbors can observe and will allow them to become suspicious when your normally lighted home becomes dark. Typically, you want to use light-timers near the front and back windows with the curtains closed. The pattern of lights turning on and off should simulate actual occupancy. It’s also comforting not to have to enter a dark residence when you return home. The same light timers can be used to turn on radios or television sets to further enhance the illusion of occupancy.
Exterior lighting is also very important. It becomes critical if you must park in a common area parking lot or underground garage and need to walk to your front door. The purpose of good lighting is to allow you to see if a threat or suspicious person is lurking in your path. If you can see a potential threat in advance then you at least have the choice and chance to avoid it. Exterior lighting needs to bright enough for you to see 100-feet and it helps if you can identify colors. Good lighting is definitely a deterrent to criminals because they don't want to be seen or identified.
Another important area to be well-lighted is the perimeter of your home or apartment especially at the entryway. Exterior lighting on the front of a property should always be on a timer to establish a routine and appearance of occupancy at all times. Common area lighting on apartment properties should also be on a timer or photo-cell to turn on at dusk and turn off at dawn. The practice of leaving the garage or porch lights turned on all day on a single family home is a dead giveaway that you are out of town. Exterior lighting at the rear of a home or apartment are usually on a switch because of the proximity to the sleeping rooms. The resident can choose to leave these lights on or off. Security lights with infra-red motion sensors are relatively inexpensive and can easily replace an exterior porch light or side door light on single family homes. The heat-motion sensor can be adjusted to detect body heat and can be programmed to reset after one minute. These security lights are highly recommended for single family homes.
- Use interior light timers to establish a pattern of occupancy
- Exterior lighting should allow 100- feet of visibility
- Use good lighting along the pathway and at your door
- Use light timers or photo-cells to turn on/off lights automatically
- Use infra-red motion sensor lights on the rear of single family homes
Alarm Systems
Alarm systems definitely have a place in a home security plan and are effective, if used properly. The reason why alarms systems deter burglaries is because they increase the potential and fear of being caught and arrested by the police. The deterrent value comes from the alarm company lawn sign and from the alarm decals on the windows. Home and apartment burglars will usually bypass a property with visible alarm signs and will go to another property without such a sign. Some people, with alarm systems, feel that these signs and decals are unsightly and will not display them. The risk here is that an uninformed burglar might break a window or door and grab a few quick items before the police can respond. Also, don't write your alarm passcode on or near the alarm keypad.
Alarm systems need to be properly installed and maintained. Alarms systems can monitor for fire as well as burglary for the same price. All systems should have an audible horn or bell to be effective in case someone does break in. However, these audible alarms should be programmed to reset automatically after one or two minutes. The criminal got the message and will be long gone but your neighbors will have to listen to the alarm bell, sometimes for hours, until it is shut off. If you use a central station to monitor your alarm, make sure your response call list is up to date. Home alarms, like car alarms, are generally ignored except for a brief glance. However, if you have established and nurtured your neighborhood watch buddy system, you will experience a genuine concern by your neighbor. It is not unusual to have a neighbor wait for the police, allow them inside for an inspection, and secure the residence. A good neighbor can also call the glass company or locksmith to repair any damage, if pre-authorized by you.
The greatest barrier getting to this level of neighborhood participation is taking the first step. You can get help by calling your local crime prevention unit at the police department. Most police departments in large cities have neighborhood watch coordinators to help you set this up. You should invite your adjacent neighbors over to your home for coffee and begin the information exchange. You'll be amazed how the process runs on automatic from there.
- Alarm systems are effective deterrents with visible signage
- Alarm systems to be properly installed, programmed, and maintained
- Alarm systems need to have an audible horn or bell to be effective
- Make sure your alarm response call list is up to date
- Instruct your neighbor how to respond to an alarm bell
Home Safes
Since the prices of good home safes are falling, having a safe in your home is a wise investment. Home safes are designed to keep the smash and grab burglar, nosey kids, dishonest babysitter or housekeeper from gaining access to important documents and personal property. Home safes need to be anchored into the floor or permanent shelving.
- Use the safe everyday so it becomes routine
- Protect the safe code and change it occasionally
- Install it away from the master bedroom or closet
Operation Identification
This is a program supported by most police agencies. They recommend that you engrave your drivers’ license, not your social security number, on televisions, stereos, computers, and small electronic appliances. They suggest this so they can identify and locate you if your stolen items are recovered. I suggest that you go way beyond this step
I recommend that you photograph your valuables in their locations around your home and make a list of the make, model, and serial numbers. This is very important for proof when filing insurance claims. You should keep this list in a safety deposit box or with a relative for safe keeping. Keep receipts of the larger items in case you need to prove the value of the items for insurance purposes. Beyond that, I recommend that you photocopy important documents and the contents of your wallet. You will be thankful that you took these steps in case your home is ever destroyed by fire or flood, is ransacked, or if your wallet is lost or stolen.
- Identify your valuables by engraving your drivers’ license number
- Photograph and record the serial numbers of all valuables
- Photocopy the contents of your wallet and other documents
- Store the copies in a safe deposit box or with a relative
*****************************************
Monday, February 7, 2011
Voice Emergency System Test 2/10
Friday, February 4, 2011
Reminder to keep your alleys clean
If you think there may be an ongoing problem in your alley with trash or anything else, please contact the RFC at board@rodgersforge.org so that they may relay the complaint to the proper County enforcement office.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
More on Snow, Lawn Chairs, Shoveling etc from Sgt Fink, BCPD
"Good Afternoon All, winter has once again graced the Baltimore area and with the fall of snow comes the display of lawn furniture and other household items along the curbsides of our streets, the need to clear our walkways of the snow and the influx of many telephone complaints to our 9-1-1 system, Precinct and Outreach Office in reference to these issues. Please get the word out to your residents and any businesses that may be part of your community that they are responsible for removing the snow from the sidewalks that are part of their property. I understand when the snow is deep and the plows pile more on top as they clear the roads that this is not an easy task but it is one that needs to be undertaken anyway. The sooner we clear the sidewalks the safer it is for pedestrians and school children waiting for the bus--with this last snow a couple of people lost their lives because they had to walk in the street since the walks were not clear. As for those communities that have many vehicles parked along the street please remind everyone that once they pull their vehicle away from the curb that spot is now available to the next driver who comes along looking for a parking spot. Public roads are just that--PUBLIC--meaning that an open parking spot along the curb is open to anyone who comes along. I know that parking is a premium in communities such as Rodgers Forge, Ridgeleigh, Loch Raven and Annaslie to name a few here in Towson, but there are many other similar communities throughout Baltimore County and the City that face the same exact dilemma every time it snows. I recognize how time consuming and strenuous it is to dig one's vehicle out of the snow and then to not have that space available upon returning is frustrating but everyone needs to understand that's what happens in large residential communities that have limited parking which includes parking on the street. Placing lawn furniture or other items in the street to "save" one's spot is actually a violation of State Law, these items are "foreign materials" and it is illegal to place such items in the roadway. Residents need to know that once they move their vehicle from the parking space it is no longer their space; their space is where ever they park when they return. Leaving unfriendly, angry, threatening notes on a vehicle that occupies a vacated space or actual verbal/physical confrontations are not acceptable and could lead to further Police involvement and actions. So please inform your residents to do the right things during snowy weather and avoid the wrong things and before you know it Mother Nature is smiling down upon us once again as the calenders read June, July and August and the thermometers show 100 degree temperatures. Thank You, Sgt Fink"
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
RFCOP Crime Update Week of Jan 24th -Jan 30th
Prepare for Warmer Weather Now -
Rodgers Forge has been fortunate over the past few months, including the holiday season, with limited crime in the Forge. Now is the time to reinforce our vigilance to help continue this trend. With warmer weather around the corner uninvited crime will pick up. The Citizens on Patrol urge you to continue safe practices to protect your home, automobiles and your neighbors. Remember – “Lights On, Lock Up, Look Out”
Significant Events Report for the week of January 24-30, 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
01/28/11 2050-2109 11-028-1515 Attempted Armed Robbery 1200 block Putty Hill Ave. 21286
Two F/B suspects approached the customer service counter and inquired about cashing checks. The suspects then handed a note to the victim stating, “This is a robbery.” The suspects instructed the victim to open the register. The victim advised they couldn’t. One of the suspects displayed the handle grip of a pistol from under her hoodie. Two male suspects stood behind the female suspects to make sure nobody could observe what was happening. After failed attempts by the victim to open the register, the suspects fled the store and entered a Yellow Cab, which they proceeded to rob in the city.F/B, 20-25, 5-5, 130, black hoodie, and yellow Sponge Bob pajamas. F/B, 20-25, 5-6, 200, gray jacket and black pants. M/B, 20-25, 6-2, 170, black hoodie M/B, 20-25, 5-9, 150, white hoodie with black designs, black sweatpants and scarf.
01/30/11 0005-0010 11-030-0010 Robbery Unit block York Rd. 21204
The suspects approached the victim. During an altercation, the suspects removed the victim’s property and fled on foot. An off duty city officer stopped the suspects. The suspects were positively identified and arrested. 2 Adult Males Arrested
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
01/25/11 0230-0236 11-025-0117 2ndDegree Burglary 800 block Dulaney Valley Rd 21286
Suspect removed property from location. Suspect was a missing juvenile (cc#). He was arrested at his home after officers spoke with the mother about his return.1 Juvenile Male Arrested
01/22/11-01/25/111 200-0645 11-025-0205 Grand Theft/ 4th Degree Burglary 1500 block Serpentine Rd
Unknown suspects removed property. Access was gained through the front gate. Unknown
01/25/11 11-025-0248 2nd Degree Burglary 8600 block Oakleigh Rd
Unknown suspect used unknown tools to pry plywood and cut chain to a storage locker. Property was removed. Unknown
01/25/11 0915-1556 11-025-1199 1st Degree Burglary 6600 block Collinsdale Rd, 21234
Unknown suspect broke bedroom window to gain entry. Unknown
01/10/11-01/27/11 Unknown 11-029-0578 4th Degree Burglary 1400 block Labelle Ave. 21204
During the listed time span unknown suspects removed property from the victim’s home. Unknown
Email Alerts
3.00 Miles around 200 Dumbarton Road Baltimore, MD 21212
| Vandalism | 01/30/11 01:11 AM. | XX MURDOCK RD – Destruction of Property- Auto |
NOTE: RFCOP was contacted by the victim and is following up.
baltimoresun.com Crime Incident Notification
Incident # Date Time Description Location
110300082 1-30 01:11am Destruction of Prop-Auto Murdock/Blenheim
110290137 1-29 02:26am Noise Complaint Murdock/Blenheim
110300118 1-30 01:40am Noise Complaint Dumbarton/Rodgers Forge
110301035 1-30 05:52pm Check on Location 2xx Stanmore Road
110291364 1-29 06:53pm Check on Location Dumbarton/Glen Argyle
110270818 1-27 12:57pm Check on Location Rodgers Forge/Dumbarton
New Maryland process begins January 1, 2011
On January 1, 2011, a new law goes into effect, and drivers who get a payable traffic ticket in Maryland will no longer be given an automatic trial date to appear in court. Here’s how the new Maryland traffic ticket process works: Drivers have three choices when they get a payable traffic ticket, and they must comply within 30 days or risk having their driver’s license suspended by the Motor Vehicle Administration.
The three choices:
1. Pay the traffic ticket fine.
2. Ask for a waiver hearing instead of a trial. Waiver hearings are for drivers who don’t dispute the ticket, but want to have a judge hear an explanation before being sentenced.
3. Ask for a court date for a trial.
Why did the traffic ticket process change? In 2010, the Maryland General Assembly passed a new law that says that citizens who get a traffic ticket for an offense that does not require incarceration/jail time must ask for a trial if they want one. Law enforcement agencies asked for the new law because they think it will save money and use police officers’ time more efficiently by reducing the number of hours they spend in court for traffic violations.
What is different about the new traffic ticket process? Before January 1, 2011, Maryland law required that a person getting a payable traffic ticket for an offense that does not require incarceration/jail time automatically receive a court trial date. Now drivers must ask for a trial if they want to dispute a payable traffic ticket.
What kinds of traffic violations are we talking about? Payable traffic violations. You have a payable traffic violation when the officer checks “This is a payable citation” on the traffic ticket. All payable traffic violations for which no incarceration/jail time is required are covered under the new law. Examples include speeding, failure to obey a traffic signal or sign, or failure to stop for a school bus.
What is another type of traffic violation? The other type is a “Must Appear” traffic violation. These include violations such as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving on a suspended license. These violations are not considered as payable.
ATTENTION DRIVERS!
What do I do if I get a traffic ticket in December of 2010? If you get a payable traffic ticket prior to December 31, 2010, you will automatically receive a trial date to appear in court. You may still chose to pay the fine or request a waiver hearing in lieu of a trial.
What do I do if I get a traffic ticket after January 1, 2011? If you get a payable traffic ticket, you must respond within 30 days. You can
1. pay the full fine,
2. ask for a waiver hearing, or
3. ask for a trial.
How do I pay my traffic ticket? You can pay the full fine by mail, online by credit card at www.mdcourts.gov/district, by phone with a credit card at 1-800-492-2656, or in person at any District Court of Maryland location.
What are my other choices? You can ask for a trial date. That means you come to court for a trial, and the police officer comes to your trial to testify. OR You can ask for a waiver hearing, which means you plead guilty with an explanation. A waiver hearing is held before a judge in District Court, but it is not a trial and the officer and witnesses will not be summoned to appear. At the hearing, the judge will hear from you only for the purpose of imposing a sentence.
How do I ask for a trial or a waiver hearing? Your traffic ticket has instructions about how to pay the fine, ask for a waiver hearing, or ask for a trial date. The traffic ticket also has two boxes, where you can select “Request a Waiver Hearing” or “Request a Trial.” You must mark an option on the ticket and envelope and mail it to the District Court traffic processing center. The address is on the envelope that you got with the ticket.
Where will my trial or waiver hearing be held? Your trial or waiver hearing will be held at the District Court in the city or county where you got the traffic ticket. If you ask for a waiver hearing or a trial, you will receive a notice by mail with the District Court location and the date and time of your trial or waiver hearing.
What happens if I miss the 30 day time to respond? The District Court will notify the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to suspend your driver’s license. The MVA will send a notice alerting you that you have 15 days to pay the traffic ticket or risk having your driver’s license suspended.
Maryland Judiciary