Crime in Baltimore County dropped 4.5 percent in 2018, according to a report released by the Police Department this week.
The report said violent crimes are down by 4.5 percent while property crimes dropped by 8.6 percent.
“Driving crime down is an important way we strengthen our communities,” Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. “I commend our police department for working alongside committed community members to continue driving down crime, ensuring Baltimore County remains a great and safe place to live, work and play.”
However, there was a 7.1 percent increase in reported rapes, according to the study. This change may reflect Maryland’s legislative change in its definition of rape, which has been in effect since Oct. 1, 2017, the report said.
Police say the decline in overall crime can be attributed to the teamwork among citizens, county agencies, law enforcement partners and the Baltimore County Police Department.
Baltimore County Police Chief Terrence B. Sheridan said that the reduction in crime is also because of a “positive relationship with our community” and “the hard work” done by the department.
–Morgan Wenerick