March, 26, 2020

Dear H'towners... It is likely that those who might commit crimes will adapt to our current unfortunate situation. Not only will they see new vulnerabilities, but some may also have their own needs that are no longer being met. The Corona Virus is going to hit folks without resources hard and many will be desperate. Let's try to be supportive of those who are in need, while we protect ourselves. Here are a few recommendations:

• The Baltimore Police Department and potentially the National Guard will be patrolling. There will not be enough of them to provide the protection we might need. We recommend:

  • Cleaning out any items that can be seen in your cars. This is always good advice, but with less foot traffic there will be more opportunity for theft.

  • Try to minimize walking anywhere alone, especially after dark. There is strength in numbers.

    • When you are walking, pay extra attention to your surroundings.

      • Stay off your phones!

    • Pay extra attention to unusual noises within earshot. I don't necessarily recommend an actual intervention, should you witness a crime in progress, but making your presence known loudly will alert others. Between you, the victim and whoever else is within earshot, you may be able to scare off the perpetrator.

  • Try to identify vulnerable areas around your home. Pay extra attention to areas that are out of sight from the main streets. Alleys will not be patrolled!

    • Lock back yard gates and gates to side yards or sallyway's.

    • Set all dead bolts, whether you are home or away.

    • Lock all ground level windows. A wooden dowel or something can be cut and used to prevent a window sash from being raised.

    • Remove all window air-conditioners at ground level, as they can easily be removed and provide access to your home.

    • If you have a back yard that can not be secured (Parking pad, etc.), consider what might be done to prevent unauthorized access to your rear door, basement door or windows.

      • doorknob props can be added inside a rear door, as a back up to existing locks.

      • Outdoor rear door steps could be barricaded to prevent easy access.

      • Whatever steps you take, make sure that you still have multiple ways to exit your home, in case of emergency!

    • Consider any ground level access to porches or roof top decks. Easy access to one rooftop deck can expose an entire block to criminal activity.

    • Try to eliminate any areas where a criminal could hide while planning a break-in or while evading the police.

    • Leave all exterior lights on all night!

  • All of these same recommendations should be considered for businesses, as well. Additionally businesses should:

    • remove any cash from the building, while closed

    • remove any inventory from the building or -

    • remove any inventory from sight of windows

    • leave any blinds open and some lights on, in any areas where windows allow criminals to see inside. If criminals are able to see inside & they don't see anything to steal, they are likely to find a different target. Leaving interior lights on will allow the police to see inside, as well.

Watch this site for more recommendations, as time passes. Please be careful & watch out for your neighbors. From a distance, of course!