Highlights: GACA General Meeting

April 15, 1999

Community Safety - Capt. John Spiroff, Lt. Tom Regan and Ofc. Teresa D'Anna represented Precinct One and Pfc. Chuck Strachan represented the UMBC force. Lt. Regan was recently assigned to this area after serving in Essex and Garrison.

Capt. Spiroff reported on crime statistics for our area. Compared to this time 1998, crime is down 20% overall, burglary is down 18% and auto theft is down 26%. Juvenile crime is down by one third since the inception of the Juvenile Offenders in Need of Supervision (JOINS) program.

Ofc. D'Anna presented recent statistics for Precinct One. Since March 1, 1999 we have had one robbery, one attempted robbery, seven burglaries, one business burglary, one shed burglary, four car thefts, two attempted car thefts, and one narcotic violation. Precinct One encompasses the area between the city line of the east to the Howard Co. line on the west, and from Rte. 40 on the north to the Anne Arundel Co. line on the south. The Precinct One team shows no criminal trends in this area.

Lt. Regan and Ofc. D'Anna offered tips on preventing crime. Suggestions ranged from being alert to scams targeting the elderly (home improvement, phony utility workers, requests for funds) to basics of home security.

The following are basic tips for home safety:

1) Reduce shrubbery around windows and doors to provide good sight lines.

2) Make your home look and sound occupied (use timers on radios, lights).

3) Keep garage doors closed and locked regardless of how brief a trip away from the house.

4) Install good locks on doors and windows - and use them.

5) Don't hide keys outside.

6) Keep an eye out for neighbors, particularly when they are away.

7) Call 911 to report suspicious activities, when they occur, not later.

8) Don't leave notes on outside doors or messages on answering machines indicating that the home will be unoccupied.

9) When going on vacation, stop or arrange pick up of mail and newspapers, use timers, and have a neighbor park in the driveway.

10) Don't open the door to strangers, and get I.D. from anyone claiming to represent a government agency or utility.

11) Be aware that most reputable contractors do not offer left over goods or services door to door. Home improvement contractors must possess a Maryland Home Improvement License.

Precinct One offers free security surveys. An officer will visit the resident's home and offer specific suggestions. Operation ID involves the use of an engraving device to mark valuables. A list of valuables should also be kept in the home, and in another, safe location. Photograph or videotape valuables which cannot be engraved.

Pfc. Strachan spoke about his duties as liaison to Precinct One relating to off campus student problems. Pfc. Strachan related that the campus as a whole is very safe and most students living in the community cause no problems. However, when there are problems, his office is empowered to act. The problem he deals with most frequently is underage drinking. UMBC police are aware of some incidents involving fake I.D. Pfc. Strachan brought an addendum which may be added to a lease specifically addressing student behavior and acknowledging the student's awareness of the code stated in each student handbook. Anyone having concerns about student behavior may contact 410/455-3133. If possible, have the student's identity, tag numbers, address of problem property, and any other information (such as a fraternity, sports team affiliation) available.

Announcements, Updates and New Business

Quadmania is scheduled for Saturday, April 24, 1999 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Bill Rice made an appeal for the establishment of a Citizens on Patrol program for the Arbutus area. Anyone interested may call Bill at 410/242-5617 or e-mail us at gaca@bcpl.net.

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Diana Itter, Sr. Planner with the Baltimore Co. Office of Planning advised us on two issues:
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1) The owner of 5702 First Ave. has filed for permission to have three apartments on the property. No hearing date has been set but the case number is 99-375. Sandy Cullen will report this information to Halethorpe Improvement Assn.

2) Streetscape is back on track. The consultant has submitted revised drawings which are under County review. The MTA grant proposal looks favorable and 65% of the engineering work has been completed.
In education news, Richard Barranger, Southwest Area Superintendent, reported that Arbutus Middle School's seventh grade reading scores were the most improved in the County. The school will release the actual rankings later this month.

There was considerable discussion about the perceived lack of response and general rudeness of 911 operators. We may invite representatives of the 911 office to an upcoming meeting.

Several complaints were brought to our attention including graffiti in Arbutus and problems with infrastructure in the Leeds Ave./Maiden Choice Lane area due to undermining from Herbert Run.

May Meeting - Our next general meeting will be Thursday, May 20, 1999 at St. Stephen's Church. The agenda for the May meeting will posted on the May Meeting Details page as soon as available.

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