Police Addressing North County Burglary Spike

Police are increasing North County patrols in light of a recent string of home and car burglaries in the area.

Cockeysville police precinct Lt. Robert McGraw has asked for the community's help in bringing those responsible to justice.

"I would ask you and your neighbors to report anything that looks suspicious by calling 911," McGraw wrote in an email to community leaders. "Please lock your vehicles at night and keep on exterior lights."

Read the full letter below.

The burglaries were first reported by Patch on Monday in our weekly crime log. Read more:

Most of the home burglaries occurred between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. while thefts from automobiles were reported between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., according to McGraw. In one incident, a burglar broke in while the family was home.

"The neighbors and I are very nervous and concerned," Claudia Ciolfi, a Monkton resident, said. "My husband has been sleeping on the sofa at night with a metal bat in the event someone attempts to break into our home. ... These robbers are brazen."

So far, a purse containing cash and credits, jewelry and electronic devices have been stolen.

Greetings:

Since January 3, 2013, there have been seven residential burglaries in the northern area of Precinct 7.  The areas include Sparks, Phoenix, and Monkton.   Most of these cases are occurring between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.    In one case, a rear slider was broken at 4 a.m. and a pocketbook was taken from inside the house.   In most cases, the method of entry was by a rear door or window.  In two of the cases, the electric meters to the homes were tampered with, causing a loss of power to the home.  Once inside, the suspect(s) removed jewelry from the homes. 

There have also been numerous thefts from automobiles occurring in the Loveton/Phoenix area.  These incidents have been occurring between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.  Suspect(s) have been entering the UNLOCKED vehicles and rummaging through glove boxes and center consoles.  Various items have been taken to include cigars, money, a checkbook, and credit cards.

We will increase patrols in the affected areas.  I would ask you and your neighbors to report anything that looks suspicious by calling 911.   Please lock your vehicles at night and keep on exterior lights.  If you wish a security survey of your home please contact our OUTREACH TEAM at 410-887-1863.

Thank-you

Lieutenant Robert McGraw

Patch crime logs for Lutherville-Timonium, Cockeysville, Hunt Valley and northern Baltimore County are published on Mondays.