Fall Crime Stats and Safety Tips

The Safety and Security Committee reported at MRIA’s October meeting about crime trends in the neighborhood over the past few years, measures undertaken by Baltimore Police and MICA to respond to recent upticks in crime, and things residents can do to improve neighborhood safety.

2015 saw a 138% increase in violent crime compared to 2014. This year, violent crime is down 35% from last summer and 39% for the entire year to date. However, the violent crime rate this year to date is still up 44% this year in comparison to 2014.

In the past year, Baltimore Police and MICA have increased patrols in the neighborhood. Baltimore Police has a car stationed in the neighborhood during the swing shift, and we can often get an overtime car. MICA now has 3 to 4 officers on duty at all times, increased from 1-2 officers, and can have up to 6 officers on duty at peak times.

Even with increased coverage, patrol can’t be everywhere at every minute. The Safety Committee would like to remind residents of common-sense steps everyone can take to promote safety in Bolton Hill.

1. Talk to your neighbors. Keep each another informed!
2. Call 911, not 311. Report all crimes to the police by calling 911. You can also submit a report online. If calling in a report, be sure to ask for an incident report number.
3. Report incidents to BHEN. Send information about any incidents to BHEN@boltonhillmd.org.org. Serious incidents are crossposted on BHEN, NextDoor (https://boltonhill.nextdoor.com), and MRIA’s Facebook page.
4. Install a security camera. If you are interested in installing security cameras on your property, check out this FAQ.
5. Join the Citizens on Patrol (COP). COP is increasing the number of groups out walking the neighborhood, at night and in the mornings. Barry and Barbara Blumberg coordinate an evening walk every Thursday evening starting from 1329 Bolton (410-669-0175 or theblumbergs [at] earthlink.net), Jonathan Claiborne leads a walk every Monday evening beginning at the corner of Bolton and Lafayette (jeclaiborne10 [at] gmail.com), and Jack Brown leads a walk on Monday and Wednesday mornings (reach him at NextDoor).
6. Get the Companion app. The popular Companion app, which alerts a friend to walk with you virtually, can be found online here. bSafe is another app that also tracks your movements and shares them with selected friends; find it online here.
7. Stay lit. Leave your front and back lights on at night, and report any dysfunctional street lights to 311.
8. Lock things up. Keep your back gate locked and make sure all other locks on your property are working properly.