Holiday Crime Prevention Tips
“Be Aware,” Says Police Chief Johnson
Shopping takes up a lot of time during the holidays. Shoppers are so busy thinking about all the things that need to be done, they fail to be aware of their surroundings. It can also make people careless when they are out and about. This makes them easy pickings for purse snatchers and street robbers.
“It doesn’t have to be this way,” says Chief Jim Johnson. He says that people are not reading their environment and in too much of a hurry to add safety to their list of things to do. He says to scan your immediate area. Don’t assume that because there are people around you are safe and secure.
The Chief advises everyone, “Focus on your personal safety and the safety of those with you. Every good police officer is trained to read the environment. Likewise, you should ask yourself questions when you are out and about.”
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.
Here are some things to think about when shopping:
- Always park in well-lit areas and park close to the entrance of the store or mall.
- Don’t talk on a cell phone when walking to and from your vehicle. Keep your full attention on your surroundings.
- 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.
Chief Jim Johnson and the Baltimore County Police Department wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
Enjoy The Holiday Bustle - But Be Aware
The end-of-year holiday season - with all its hustle and bustle - is fast approaching. With all the distractions and activity, we sometimes forget the basics about safety on the streets and at home. Opportunity is the criminal's key to crime. By staying alert and following a few crime prevention tips, you can ensure a holiday season that is happy and safe. Crime prevention involves being aware of our surroundings and potential areas of danger, thereby closing the criminal's window of opportunity.
Busy shoppers can be targeted for purse snatching and other forms of street robbery. The malls are full of folks with money to spend. As we speed along, focused on getting through our treasure hunt, a criminal can size up a potential victim.
- Outside of the mall, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets, walkways and parking areas for both walking and parking.
- Stay off the cell phone as you walk through parking lots and streets. It is a distraction that makes you vulnerable to robbers, and your cell phone itself is a tempting target.
- 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 house or car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to use when you reach the door.
Here are some additional tips regarding the car or house you've left behind while on your travels.
- ALWAYS lock your car and residence, 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.
- 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.
County police hope that by being aware, crime won't ruin your holidays.
'Tis The Season: Beware Of Purse Snatchers
The holidays are swiftly approaching. 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 women 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.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or check cards.
- Use ATMs wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine, and use ATMs in high traffic areas.
- Be aware of the environment. Don't walk or park in poorly lit areas. Don't take shortcuts through wooded areas. Don't be distracted by a cell phone conversation.
- Have car keys ready before leaving the office, store or mall.
- 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.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
A Holiday Shopping Reminder
As you do your holiday shopping, don't give a thief an opportunity.
Do NOT leave valuables in open view in your car. Put them in the trunk, or take them along with you. This is the time of the year when thieves do their own form of "window shopping." They look in parked cars for gifts and other merchandise, and they will break through car windows to get at such valuables.
It takes only a few seconds for a criminal to break into your car. So remember: when you leave your car, leave it empty.
Do Your Homework Before Donating To Charity
The holiday season is in full swing. Shoppers are out and about and the signs of the season are everywhere. The familiar red kettle and bell ringers are on street corners and in front of various stores. Charitable organizations are in need of funding to keep programs for the needy operating as the country struggles financially.
For example, the American Red Cross of Central Maryland solicits contributions via e-mail. However, the solicitation is only sent to those companies or individuals who are on the books as donors. The groups have also given permission to the ARC-Central MD to contact them in this way. This is a good use of today’s technology, but it can also open the door to criminal activity. These conveniences can bring pitfalls and fraud. Be wary of any organization that sends unsolicited e-mail asking for donations.
Also, the United Way of Central Maryland does not directly solicit through e-mail, but advises donors to go to their web site at http://www.uwcm.org/uwcm/give.html to make donations. If anyone receives an e-mail from what appears to be the United Way of Central MD, do not click on any attachment associated with the message as you could become a victim of a scam. The Salvation Army does not send e-mail soliciting funds, but the organization does do mailings.
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.”
Do your homework when you donate to any charity. Chief Johnson says, “Give to organizations that have a history of service and commitment to the community.”
If you still have doubts about a group, there are other ways to access information on charitable organizations. Donors can check the groups at http://www2.guidestar.org/, and http://www.marylandnonprofits.org/.
It is wonderful to be generous, but think before you contribute your hard earned money.
Extend The Life Of Your Holiday Gifts: Get Them Engraved
Why not set aside some time right after the holidays to get your bike and gifts engraved with your ID number or driver's license number. Never use your social security number.
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.
With the tool, you can engrave a driver's license number or Maryland ID number on your property - and that can pay dividends in the future. If the item is stolen, and later recovered by police, the engraved number will allow investigators to get that property back to you.
The engraved number might even deter a thief from taking your property in the first place, since the ID number makes it harder for criminals to dispose of valuables through underworld channels.
You don't need to limit engraving to your holiday gifts. You can engrave all of your precious possessions so they will be with you for many years to come.
Revised November 10, 2011 – Baltimore County Police
Significant Events Report for the week of November 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
11/10/11 0020 11-314-0030 Home Invasion Robbery 1100 block Charles View Way 21204
Four suspects forced their way into the victim’s apartment. The victims were assaulted and one of the victim’s had a handgun pointed at him. The suspects stole property. The incident is likely related to a narcotics transaction. IST is investigating this incident. 2-W/M’s, ski mask, all dark clothing 2-B/M’s, ski mask, all dark clothing
11/11/11 1138 11-315-0669 Armed Robbery 1700 block E. Joppa Rd. 21286
The suspect entered the rear of location. The suspect approached the victim with a handgun and demanded money. The suspect fled out the rear door on foot into the alley behind Yakona Rd. M/B, 30’s, 5-9, ski mask, dressed in black
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
11/01/11-11/06/11 Unk-2046 11-310-1330 1st Degree Burglary 1000 block Litchfield Rd. 21204
Unknown suspects entered the residence by unknown means and removed property. A report for a suspicious condition was made on 11/06/11. The victim called back when the property was discovered to be missing. Unknown
11/06/11-11/07/11 1730-0600 11-311-0218 Attempted Burglary 6100 block Falls Rd. 21209
An unknown suspect attempted to cut through the lock on the front gate. A drill bit was broke off inside the lock. Unknown
10/22/11-10/28/11 Unknown 11-312-1140 1st Degree Burglary 900 block Southwick Dr. 21286
An unknown suspect entered the location, possibly by using a spare key. Property was taken. Unknown
11/08/11 1000-2247 11-312-1629 1st Degree Burglary 900 block Southwick Dr. 21286
An unknown suspect entered the residence through the rear door. Once inside, the suspect ransacked the house. Unknown
11/09/11 1400-2300 11-313-1651 1st Degree Burglary 1300 block Glendale Rd. 21234
Unknown suspects entered the residence through the rear bedroom window. The suspects ransacked the house and removed property. Unknown
11/02/11-11/10/11 1200-1350 11-314-0942 1st Degree Burglary 600 block Lake Drive 21286
Unknown suspects entered the residence through the bathroom window. The suspects ransacked the entire residence. It is unknown what was taken at this time. Unknown
11/12/11 0230-0400 11-316-0569 1st Degree Burglary 8000 block York Rd. 21286
Unknown suspects entered the residence by unknown means. The suspects removed property. Unknown
11/11/11-11/12/11 1200-0700 11-316-0851 4th Degree Burglary 1200 block Stevenson lane 21286
Unknown suspects removed property from the residence. Unknown
baltimoresun.com - Crime Incident Notification
Week of Oct 31-Nov 6, 2011
Incident # Date Time Description Location
113050164 11/16 2:38 am Check on Location 72xx York Road
113050169 11/16 2:44 am Check on Location 72xx York Road
113040157 10/31 3:04 am Check on Location York/Murdock
113100192 11/6 1:07 am Check on Location Murdock/Pinehurst
113041446 10/31 6:52 pm Check on Location Dorking/Dunkirk
113051908 11/1 9:56 pm Check on Location Overbrook/Bellona
113061369 11/2 5:59 pm Check on Location Hopkins below Bellona
113051750 11/16 7:50 pm Check on Location Dunkirk below Bellona
113041752 10/31 9:50 pm Disturbance Regester/Dumbarton
113051888 11/17 9:38 pm Check on Subject Stevenson/York
113040139 10/31 2:32 am Suspicious Vehicle Dumbarton/Dorking
113090033 11/5 12:24 am Noise Complaint 1xx Dumbarton
113091629 11/5 11:31 pm Noise Complaint 1xx Regester Road
113100249 11/6 1:57 am Noise Complaint Chumleigh/Heathfield
113080374 11/4 8:16 am Theft-from Motor Veh Sussex/York
113090174 11/5 2:05 am DWI Traffic Arrest Dunkirk/York
113100068 11/6 12:42 am Armed Robbery 72xx York Road
113060867 11/2 1:22 pm Graffiti Dunkirk/York
baltimoresun.com - Crime Incident Notification
Week of Nov 7-13, 2011
Incident # Date Time Description Location
(Not available at this time – we have been in contact with the Sun Paper, and they are having an issue with the software that updates this report. But state they are working hard to correct the situation.)
Email Alerts - Spot Crime.com
2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road – Week of Nov 7-13, 2011
Case # Crime Date Time Address
113170075 Theft-Other 11/13 12:46 am 2xx Dumbarton
113120560 Dest of Prop- Graffiti 11/8 11:13 am 3xx Dumbarton
113131447 Identity Theft 11/9 8:29 pm 3xx Old Trail Road
"Checkpoint Strike force"
Saturation Patrols Will Target High-Crash Corridors
Baltimore County, Md. (November 16, 2011) - A statewide campaign, “Checkpoint Strike force,” will target drivers who are drunk, aggressive, and speeding. The campaign will go into effect for the holiday season on Thanksgiving weekend. Checkpoint enforcement will take place from mid-evening until the early morning hours.
Baltimore County Police and Maryland State Troopers will concentrate police traffic and criminal enforcement along three main corridors within the county.
A statistical analysis of the targeted areas, provided through the Baltimore County Police Department’s Data Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS), determine which corridors would be the focus of enforcement. DDACTS is a tool for evaluating crime trends and fatal crashes in various geographic areas.
Zero Tolerance
If an officer sees someone driving erratically, the driver will be pulled over and given a sobriety test. If the motorist is found to be driving while intoxicated (DWI), he will be arrested on the spot. Police will ask for the driver’s license and vehicle registration. If there are any flags, outstanding warrants or other legal issues against the driver, the driver could be arrested and the vehicle towed.
“Checkpoint Strike force” officers say there will be zero tolerance for speeding. Anyone exceeding the speed limit will be pulled over and given a ticket.
Saturation patrols also deter crimes such as robbery, burglary, and assault.
- From the Balto. Co. Police Announcements and News Releases
Funding for this program has been provided through a grant from the Maryland Highway Safety Office (MHSO).