Crime is down for September by 62% in Bolton Hill
Despite some social media claims to the contrary, the number of recent crimes reported to the Baltimore Police Department in Bolton Hill is down significantly. In September (the most recent available data), the number of incidents reported to police from Bolton Hill has declined year-over-year by 62% — from 34 in September 2023 to 13 in 2024. Violent crimes remained constant, at a total of four, while property crimes declined from 26 to 8, down by 69%, or 18 incidents.
This one-month decline in property crime resulted from a reduction in auto thefts from 14 last September at the peak of a citywide carjacking spree to none as of September this year. For the first nine months of this year versus January to September 2023, the number of overall reported crimes declined from 211 to 155, or 27%. Violent crimes increased by two incidents, from 34 to 36, a gain of 6%. Property crimes fell from 156 to 106, a reduction of 32%. Again, the reduction in property crimes stemmed from a significant decrease in auto thefts from 81 to 29, or 64%.
Non-auto theft property crimes were relatively flat, advancing from 75 to 77 or 3%. Much of the property crime was categorized as larceny in the 200 block of McMechen, where both Walgreens and Save-a-Lot retailers cope with shoplifting. Common assaults over nine months fell from 21 to 13 incidents, or 38%.
Is there room at your holiday table for MICA student guests?
The Maryland Institute College of Art is an important component of the Bolton Hill community, and its nearly 2,000 full and part-time students are a significant portion of Bolton Hill’s school-year population. About 25 percent of those students come from other countries.
The confluence of new presidents at BHCA and MICA has provided an opportunity to explore new ways to work together. Many MICA students remain on campus for Thanksgiving, and some—mostly foreign—do so over the winter break, also. Many of us have extra room at our holiday tables, and BHCA would like to make it available to MICA students who would otherwise miss out on the festivities.
If you would like to invite one or more MICA students to your holiday table, please email BHCA board member Oge Okoli. Inviting at least two MICA students would likely make it more comfortable for them.
Give back by giving blood on Giving Tuesday
Baltimore Unity Hall is hosting a neighborhood-centered blood drive to coincide with what has become a post-Thanksgiving tradition for non-profit organizations across the country, Giving Tuesday.
Unlike Black Friday or traditional fundraising appeals by all sorts of charities, this one does not require cash or a credit card. Just show up between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 1505 Eutaw Place, where American Red Cross professionals will efficiently extract blood and send you on your way.
BSO wants volunteers for coming student concerts
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra hosts special performances for children from area schools to enjoy symphonic events every year. Elementary, intermediate and high school students, along with homeschoolers, participate. Volunteers are needed to help shepherd the kids from buses on Preston Street to the lobby and their designated seats.
Upcoming concerts will be Dec. 18 and 19 (holiday themes); Feb. 19 and 20; and March 26 and 27. Often there are two performances per day. Volunteers need to be at the Meyerhoff by 9 a.m. They can stay for the performances and help the kids back to their buses or give less time.
For most of the children, it’s their introduction to a professional orchestra and the symphony hall. The performances include the orchestra, special actors, guest musicians, and singers. BHCA board member Beth Cole said she finds volunteering for the concerts “truly gratifying.” To volunteer, contact Joansley Kendig.
BHCA is a business partner with the BSO, which means that BHCA members can get a 15 percent discount on ticket purchases. No tickets are required for the student concerts, however.
MICA’s art market set for Dec. 7-8
MICA’s 16th Annual Art Market is a a two-day holiday market featuring three floors of creative work made by students, alumni, faculty, and staff. It’s a great opportunity to invest in emerging artists and small businesses, engage with Baltimore’s creative community and treat yourself or your loved ones to one-of-a-kind creations. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 7-8. More information at https://www.micarcce.com/artmarket.
About The Bulletin….
The Bolton Hill Bulletin is published monthly, except for July and August. It is designed by Elizabeth Peters. We invite others to help write, edit, provide photos or work on the business side. Contributors this month were, among others, Alex Aaron, Jean Marie Adrian, Beth Cole, Charlie Duff, Don Feuerstein, Debbie Healy, Chris Kingsley, Paula Jackson, David Nyweide, Joyce Oliner, Sallye Perrin, Elizabeth Peters, Jim Prost, Amy Sheridan and Karen Tozzi. Errors, omissions and comments should be reported to the editor, Bill Hamilton, at bulletin@boltonhillmd.org.
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