Over the summer BHCA successfully conducted a safety and security survey of residents and those who work in Bolton Hill, acquiring detailed responses from 275 households from the estimated 3,853 residents of Bolton Hill. The responders were, predictably, skewed towards homeowners (81%) and BHCA members (61%).
Respondents’ overall perception and feelings of safety in the neighborhood was relatively high, with an average ranking of approximately 3.5 on a scale of zero to 5. Residents indicated they felt significantly safer during the day (4.0) than at night (2.5).
The survey, the first of its kind, was completed in August and drew solely on voluntary responses. It does not claim to be a scientific sample of the neighborhood and resident experiences. It was assembled and managed by Elizabeth Peters, a BHCA vice president, on behalf of the association’s Safety and Security Committee, chaired by Jim Prost.
Time will be set aside at the Oct. 1 BHCA meeting for a discussion of the survey and plans for outreach to BPD and other security leaders.
The survey came at a time when one candidate for president is falsely claiming that crime is a terrible national problem, blaming the current president. In reality, major crimes statistics are down significantly from last year and the pandemic period in virtually every part of the country, including Baltimore.
The top crime and safety issues of concern in Bolton Hill include carjacking (63%) and muggings (41%). Traffic issues and burglary/residential theft were next in terms of concern, each at about 36%. After a rash of carjackings and car thefts in 2023, those crime numbers this year are down citywide.
About 11% of respondents noted a personal experience of some sort with violent crime during the past year compared to 35% with property crime. More residents heard about others experiencing violent crime (41%) or property crime (30%). Nearly 50% of responses indicated an experience with a public safety issue such as disorderly conduct, drug abuse, traffic issues or vandalism.
Improved lighting is the top suggested public safety initiative (62%) from those who completed the BHCA survey, followed by improved coordination between the various security services and police agencies (Baltimore Police, MICA security, state and DOT police and Midtown, etc.). Approximately 13% of all respondents expressed interest in participating in future neighborhood public safety initiatives.
“Fear of crime exists, and certainly some of it is legitimate,” Prost said. “While the crime rate is down citywide, it is always wise to be vigilant and stay aware of your surroundings, no matter where you are.”
There are some inconsistencies between expressed safety and security perceptions and reality (although in terms of public safety, perceptions often can be reality). Approximately two-thirds of the respondents made no 911 emergency calls, yet over a third claim to have experienced property crimes. That could indicate that some of the crimes were considered to be minor and/or that no police response seemed likely. Approximately 20% of respondents said they made one 911 call over 12 months while 14% reported making two or more 911 calls.
“As chair of the Safety and Security Committee I can personally attest to (luckily) having made only two police reports over 20 years, one attempted breaking and entering and one larceny report,” said Prost. “But I also can attest to making three or four 911 calls and additional 311 calls each year. I am also aware of numerous minor property and violent crimes throughout the neighborhood. Furthermore, many of the public safety issues, such as disorderly conduct, domestic violence, traffic issues and vandalism often do not show up in BPD crime reports,” he said.
BHCA President Lee Tawney said the organization will share the findings with area police and security officials and will encourage an improved dialogue about cooperation and enhanced prevention. “We have a safe neighborhood. We want an even safer neighborhood,” Tawney said.
According to BPD, total reported crimes in Bolton Hill for January through July 2023 versus January through July 2024 were down by 15 %, from 151 to 128. Violent crime was essentially flat, increasing from 30 to 31 incidents. Noteworthy, however, was the decline in carjackings, from five in January through July 2023 to none in the first seven months of 2024.
Property crimes declined from 105 to 86, a decline of 19 incidents or 18%, largely a result of a reduction in auto thefts from 49 in 2023 to 26 in 2024, or 47%. Assaults dropped from 16 to 11, a reduction of 31%. These numbers are shared each month by BPD’s Western District, which includes Bolton Hill and dozens of other neighborhoods.
–Bill Hamilton
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