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HVBF Monthly Meeting - Facilities,
Security, Transportation Roundtable Host: Loyola College in Maryland Attending: Clare Berrang, MacKenzie Commercial Real Estate Clare Berrang introduced Capt. Mark Warren, commander of Precinct 7, Baltimore County Police Department. Mark brought us up to date on the latest trend in crime. The good news is that crime is down in Baltimore County when compared to last year in all categories except homicide. There are fewer homicides in Baltimore Country when compared to other areas. The homicide rate in Baltimore County is less than 10% of the Baltimore City rate. The theft of laptops last month in the Hunt Valley area stands at 4 incidents compare to 41 in Towson. I have to believe that this is at least partly because of Marty Lurz’s monthly security reminders at this meeting. It pays to know who is in your facility and to limit access by outsiders. Mark commented on a series of burglaries at area Block Busters. The perpetrators destroy surveillance tapes or digital cameras that record their break-ins. If you use such surveillance equipment, do not rely on their usefulness unless you have taken steps to secure the recordings. Do call Marty Lurz about an audit of your facility to discuss the effectiveness of your crime prevention measures. Mark emphasized the need to call 911 anytime suspicious activity is noted. Too often citizens feel that 911 is only for life threatening emergencies. Remember Baltimore County does not have a 311 for minor emergencies, as does Baltimore City. Call 911 and let the experts determine the seriousness of your concerns. The recent attack on the three women in their homes in Lutherville could, perhaps, have been avoided if the neighbors who spotted a suspicious person on the street before the attacks had reported their observations. The Auto-Dialer system in Baltimore County allows the Police Department to notify by telephone the presence of possible danger by calling the neighboring homes or businesses. This happens in a time frame that can prevent an incident. Criminal activity against businesses tends to occur upon opening or closing and is frequently perpetrated by insiders who are directly involved or associated with outsiders. Theft at this time of year is frequently “smash and grab” where the thief breaks into an area, grabs the article and flees. Mark encourages citizens to learn more about the work of law enforcement by attending the Citizens’ Police Academy. For more information, call Lt. Marty Lurz at 410-887-1828 or watch for our announcements of classes. Stay current on public safety issues by going to Baltimore County Police in the Members section of our website www.hvbf.org and click on Business Beat. Bob Steffey of the State Highway Administration reported that principle highway construction is on bridges and overpasses on the Beltway. These are long-term construction events. Expect lane changes at the Beltway and Joppa Road during construction. Rebuilding at the bridge at York Road and the Beltway will cause delays. |