Idlewylde Townhall Meeting Sat. Morning

We would like to have you invite your community members to our Town Meeting on January 5 at 10 am at the Idlewylde Hall:

10 am: Sen. Jim Brochin and Del. Steve Lafferty will be available for questions and concerns from you as we head into the 2013 Maryland Legislature.
11 am Councilman David Marks will hold a town meeting about county issues. Bring your concerns to him.
Coffee and donuts will be served.


Thanks and have a Happy New Year!!

Tom Lattanzi
President
Idlewylde Community Association

Have you filed for your Homestead Tax Credit?

Sen. Brochin has provided a step by step guide to

1. Check your current status 

2. If not applied for already, how to go about doing it.

Once you've done this you'll never have to do this again so long as your current home remains your primary residence.

Greetings!

Over the past few weeks, I have noticed a lot of confusion about the Homestead Tax Credit.  As you may know, the Homestead Tax Credit could help lower your property tax bill. Since the deadline to receive this potentially tax credit is December 31, I would highly recommend checking your status.

If you are unsure on whether you are eligible for this credit, click here (http://sdatcert3.resiusa.org/rp_rewrite/) to go to the correct website and follow the instructions below:

1.       Enter your county from the drop-down menu.

2.      Click “Street Address”

3.      Enter your street number

4.      Enter your street name (DO NOT ENTER “RD”, “LN”, WAY”, Etc.)

5.      Click Search

6.   Verify in the top right corner: Principal Residence: YES

6.      Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for “Homestead Application Information."  Your status should be available under this heading.

If “No Application” appears, and principal residence is yes, then you have not yet applied for this tax credit.  The Department of Assessments and Taxation has recommended applying for the tax credit by mailing in the application,http://dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/Homestead_application.pdf, to:

Department of Assessments and Taxation

Homestead Tax Credit Division

301 West Preston Street, 8th Floor

Baltimore MD 21201

Should you have any questions, of if I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 410-823-7087.

Sincerely,

Senator James Brochin

42^nd Legislative District

RFCOP - Crime report update Dec 10th-16th, 2012

B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter –Dec 10-16, 2012

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

December 16: Commercial Burglary, 1700 block of East Joppa Road, 21234

Between 1 and 2 p.m., an unknown suspect pried open a side door to enter the Salvation Army. The suspects removed jewelry from the jewelry counter and left through the side door. Both suspects are tall black males.

December 16: Robbery, 800 block of Dulaney Valley Road, 21286

At 12:50 p.m., two suspects grabbed cell phones from the victims' hands and fled on foot. The suspects are black males,14 to 16 years old, with a thin build.

December 16: Attempted Murder - Gun, Unit block of West Chesapeake Avenue, 21286

At 2 a.m., a man was arrested after firing several shots into a crowd. One victim received a non life-threatening injury, and he refused treatment. Francis Kang, 26, of the unit-block of Brook Farm Court, 21030, was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted murder.

December 12: Armed Robbery - Gun, Unit block of Solar Circle, 21234

At 9:43 p.m., the victim was approached by two suspects, one armed with a handgun. The suspects demanded money, but the victim did not have any. The suspects took the victim's cell phone and fled on foot. The first suspect is a black male, 20 years old, 5'10", and 190 pounds. The second suspect is a black male, 20 years old, 5'10", and 190 pounds.

December 11: Armed Robbery - BB Gun, 8100 block of Loch Raven Boulevard, 21234

At 11:24 p.m., a man reported that three suspects pointed a gun at him and stole money, a cheeseburger, and cigarettes. A 13 year old male was arrested and charged as a juvenile. Dakota Fletcher, 17, and Joshua Castillo, 16, of the 1600 block of Cromwell Bridge Road, 21234, were charged as adults with armed robbery.  

December 11: First Degree Burglary, 1700 block of Circle Road, 21204

Between 8:50 and 9:10 a.m., an unknown suspect broke a front window to unlock a door. The suspect stole three jewelry boxes containing jewelry, a Sony camera, and two pillow cases

Email Alerts  - SpotCrime.com

2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road –

Week of Dec 10-16, 2012

Case #                Crime                                          Date     Time                Address

123480423      Theft-Credit Card Misuse      12/13  9:03 am           2xx Overbrook Road

123500812      Theft – Other                         12/15  1:11 pm           2xx Rodgers Forge Road

123450231      Theft from Motor Vehicle    12/10  6:51 am           5xx Regester Avenue

123510383      4^th Degree Burglary               12/16  7:06 am           61xx Charles St. N

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a burglar (huh, you say)?  That is our hope for the holidays.  Just a friendly reminder to turn “Lights On, Lock Up, Look Out”.  We will all be running in and out of our houses, cars, and shopping for last minute presents as well as visiting relatives and friends during the holidays. Please do not let down your guard for the remainder of the holidays!  Keep an eye out for your neighbors house and ask them to return the favor if you will be away.  If you will be out of town call your local precinct and request a watch on your home while you are away.  The police will be more than happy to do a drive by as opposed to writing a report if a burglary occurs.  Remember to leave them contact information where you or someone watching your home can be reached. 

Let’s all work together to make this a less crime free holiday season!!  Happy holidays from the RFCOP!!

RFCOP Crime report update Dec 3-9, 2012

B.C.P.D. Precinct # 6 - Crime Blotter –Dec 3-9, 2012

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

December 9: Second Degree Burglary, 6300 block of York Road, 21212

Between 1:19 and 2:18 a.m., an unknown suspect entered the Chipotle without force and broke the alarm keypad. Nothing was taken.

December 7 to December 8: First Degree Burglary, 900 block of Starbit Road, 21286

Between 5 p.m. on December 7 and 12:30 p.m. on December 8, an unknown suspect entered the home and took money and electronics.

December 7: First Degree Burglary, Unit block of Ruxview Court, 21204

Between 2 and 9:45 p.m., an unknown suspect pried open a rear sliding door and took jewelry and electronics.

December 7: Second Degree Burglary, 800 block of Goucher Boulevard, 21286

Between 12:32 and 1:02 a.m., a man used a rock to smash a glass door to enter the Exxon station. Food and other items were taken. The suspect is a white male, 20 to 30 years old, with a thin build and brown hair.

December 7 to December 8: Second Degree Burglary, Unit block of Fellowship Court, 21286

Between an unknown time on December 7 and 7:30 a.m. on December 8, an unknown suspect forced entry into the laundry room and damaged machines to steal coins.

December 6: Robbery, 900 block of Taylor Avenue, 21286

At 7:30 a.m., a suspect grabbed the victim's arms and took her bag. The suspects are eight black males and females. They were last seen getting on an MTA bus towards Loch Raven Boulevard.

December 5: Attempted First Degree Murder, 7600 block of Osler Drive, 21204

At 2:34 p.m., a prisoner in custody at University of Maryland St. Joseph's Medical Center attempted to escape and has been charged with attempted murder of the officer guarding him. See additional details in our news release.

December 5: Second Degree Burglary, 8500 block of Drumwood Road, 21234

At 12:38 a.m., Brian Dargan, 30, was arrested after forcing a shed door open. The suspect fled when the victim turned on a porch light. The suspect then tried to enter a vehicle parked next door, but was unsuccessful.

December 3 to December 4: Fourth Degree Burglary, 800 block of Kingston Road, 21212

Between 9 p.m. on December 3 and 4 a.m. on December 4, an unknown suspect entered two unlocked vehicles and took various items.

Email Alerts  - Spot Crime.com

2.00 Miles around 222 Dumbarton Road –

Week of Dec 3-9, 2012

Case #                Crime                                          Date     Time                Address

123421472 Identity Theft                         12/7  6:13 pm      XX Dunkirk Road

123381700 Identity Theft                         12/3  7:29 pm      1XX Brandon Road

123440416 2^nd degree Burglary                12/9  8:05 am      63XX York Road

Unknown    see below                      12/9  7:00 pm      63XX York Road

An unknown suspect entered The Chipotle without force and broke the alarm keypad, nothing was taken.

 

Holiday Crime Prevention- from B.C.P.D. website (link below):

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.
• 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.
• Outside of the mall, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets, walkways and parking areas for both walking and parking.
• 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.

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.

 

Taken from the Baltimore County web page – click link below to access on line page.

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/crimeprevention/holidaywinter.html

 

RFCOP Website- breaking news:   www.rfcop.com

Holidays are here!

Hello all, The RFCOP would like to thank everyone for your wonderful support and diligence over the past year. Everyone in our community has made a profound difference in reducing crime in our community. Although crime probably won't go away, we all can keep it to a minimum through the continued participation of us all keeping an eye out and reporting unusual or criminal activity.

I'm not going to reiterate last month's post here (see link above), but do ask that we all continue what we are doing to keep the Forge safe.

The RFCOP would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Joyous holiday season to ALL!

A big huge thank you goes out to the Rodgers Forge Community Newsletter for including information from this web site in the December 2012 issue. We do our best to gather and share the best crime prevention and safety information possible to benefit everyone. Information is truly power!  If anyone has information that we could include on this web site to make this a more informative place, please do share and your suggestions are welcome!

Meeting For Proposed Bus Line Consolodation 12/12

A resident of the Forge brought to our attention a proposed elimination of the 11 line MTA Bus in the area. There is a meeting tomorrow night and anyone with concerns with this issue one way or another is encouraged to attend. Info from the neighbor is below:

"The MTA is proposing "consolidating" (i.e. eliminating) bus stops on the 11 line in the Forge.

Tomorrow night is a meeting in Towson for more info, and people can submit comments by email or phone.

http://mta.maryland.gov/advisories/proposed-bus-stop-consolidation-meetings

http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/FinalBusConProposal_Jan2013%20%282%29.pdf is where there are diagrams of the specific stops they are proposing to take away."

Electronics Recycling Day

When: Saturday, January 26th from 9 am to 2 pm

Where: Rodgers Forge Elementary School Parking Lot

What: All those electronics that have been replaced by new Christmas presents can be recycled!  Anything that can be plugged in or runs on batteries!  Even those holidays lights that you've just unpacked from their boxes, but don't work!  The only item there is a charge for is televisions, $15 per.  All other appliances etc. accepted for free, and will be recycled.

Sign Up For Santa Visits!

Santa and his helper will be visiting the homes of children who live in Rodgers Forge prior to Christmas from 5:30 through 8:00 PM on Thursday, 12/13 and Sunday, 12/16. At the request of parents, Santa will come to your house to dazzle your children and their friends but his schedule is busy and many visit slots have already been filled. If you would like Santa to come by your home, please sign up by sending an e-mail to Board member Joe Segreti, Santa’s senior travel coordinator, at joseph_segreti@fd.org.  The email should include the following:

1.       Name and age(s) of children to be visited

2.       Your address to be visited

3.       Your phone number and email contact

All visits will be confirmed prior to Santa’s actual arrival. Homeowners may leave gifts on the porch for Santa to distribute to the children inside the home.