Police say: “Be aware of your surroundings” to stay safe in Baltimore

By Emma Stark
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer

Robbery rates in Baltimore County hit a total of 1,155 last year – the highest point they have been in the last four years – but the Police Department is working hard to protect the area and teach residents how to keep themselves as safe as possible.

Officer Matt Banocy of the Baltimore City Police said there are about 15 robberies a week. In a typical eight-hour shift, he said he gets around two to four robberies a day. Residents should be aware of their surroundings because, he said, robberies occur at all times during the day.

“Know the neighborhood you’re walking in,” said Banocy, explaining that robberies tend to be more troublesome with the possibility of harm coming to the victim. “Don’t walk alone once it gets dark outside because that is when robberies tend to be more frequent.”

The Baltimore County Executive Table Statistics offered the robbery rates. And, the 2018 Statistica data said that Baltimore is ranked second in the top 50 metropolitan cities with the highest robbery rates.

At a press conference last week, Gov. Larry Hogan, apparently fed up with the violence, announced his re-designation of violent crime bills to emergency legislation. Hogan said he wants the bills signed into law as soon as possible so that they can be put into action.

One of the bills, the Violent Firearm Offenders Act, proposes harsher sentences for offenders who use guns when committing crimes. Tougher sentences would be imposed on those who repeatedly carry illegal firearms, those who illegally transfer guns to people they know intend to use them in a crime and those who steal firearms.  

Judges would be held more accountable for how they sentence violent crime offenders and witness intimidation will be limited, Hogan said.

Officer Jennifer Peach of the Baltimore County Police Department said the No. 1 rule for residents should be to “Beware of your surroundings.”

“Keep your eyes up,” said Peach. “The people who make eye contact and look aware are typically not the ones who get robbed.”

Peach explained that robbers target people who seem easy. She said robbers do not want their faces seen because that increases the chance of getting caught. So, by looking aware and paying attention to those around you will help spot unusual behavior, as well as predict a robbery. Get a good look at the robbers so you can help identify them to police. However, do not stare because that could cause a robber to become violent, she said.

Police typically advise residents, tourists and foreign visitors not to resist the demands of a robber and keep their hands in sight.

Baltimore County Police offer these tips to help prevent a robbery:

• Never flash large amounts of money or other valuables.
• Be extra cautious in transitional spaces, such as walking from your car to your house. If your keys are equipped with a panic button, have your finger ready to press it. Always have your keys in-hand before you reach the door.

• Do not wear headphones or look at your cell phone when walking.
• Be observant
• Stay calm and don’t resist

Banocy said the Police Department has initiatives in place that require officers to drive around high robbery areas to provide police presence. Also, if a person feels unsafe, officers suggest he or she could enter a storefront or restaurant to get off the streets.

The idea of having a police presence gives Caitlyn Conner a sense of comfort.

 “I’ll carry mace if I am alone,” said Conner, a Baltimore resident. “Or I’ll stay close to other people, so it doesn’t look like I’m alone.”