Neil
Newbie
Posts: 5
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Crime
Aug 6, 2006 18:57:54 GMT -5
Post by Neil on Aug 6, 2006 18:57:54 GMT -5
Just wanted to share two pieces of crime info so everyone is aware. First, my brother's car was stolen last week, parked right on Barre Street. Fortunately the car was found, and arrests were made. Two black men were arrested for stealing the car. Just about an hour ago, my brother was coming over to visit and was walking on McHenry Street with his girlfriend, when 6 black teenagers came up behind him, pushed him to the ground into the alley at Otterbein/Mchenry, and continuned to beat and kick him and swing a cone at him while he was lying on the ground. I called the cops and they are on the way so that I can fill out a police report, but I wanted everyone to know and be aware of suspicious characters in the neighborhood. The kids were probably about 16 years old, black kids wearing wife beaters and jeans shorts and were sitting on the front steps of a roundhouse court house, and followed him after he parked his car before the assault and battery occurred. I have lived in Barre Circle for about a year and a half and this is the first time I have considered moving out. The safety of my family is too important.
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Neil
Newbie
Posts: 5
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Crime
Aug 6, 2006 19:29:00 GMT -5
Post by Neil on Aug 6, 2006 19:29:00 GMT -5
Update - after 90 minutes and three calls to the Baltimore City Police they still have not shown up. Glad to see my tax dollars are hard at work. Unbelievable. Fortunately my brother is okay and there were no major injuries, although his jaw is still hurting from getting kicked in the face while he was on the ground.
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Crime
Aug 7, 2006 7:57:45 GMT -5
Post by rob231 on Aug 7, 2006 7:57:45 GMT -5
Neil-
Sorry to hear that. I have been here for over 5 years and have heard a few times each year of a mugging; etc, but never a "gang" of kids beating up someone. The only group fitting that description is the group of kids that often hangs out near the corner of Scott and WA Blvd - near the old snowall stand. Hopefully people will keep their eyes out and question people "hanging out" on stoops; etc - especially when they don't live there.
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Crime
Aug 7, 2006 13:11:14 GMT -5
Post by Carol Ott on Aug 7, 2006 13:11:14 GMT -5
A cone? You mean a highway cone? How utterly bizarre. Honest to God don't people have anything better to do than attack strangers on the street? This is getting ridiculous -- stabbings in Otterbein and beatings in Barre Circle. I've just about had enough of this bullcrap. These kids need to be locked away -- quit sending them back to do yet more harm. My patience, empathy, and sympathy has just about run out, frankly.
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Crime
Aug 8, 2006 11:40:56 GMT -5
Post by debbie on Aug 8, 2006 11:40:56 GMT -5
I am very sorry to hear about this - how horrible. I live on Roundhouse Court and have seen a few questionable individuals wandering through at times, some of whom might fit the description you gave. There is a gate from Roundhouse that leads out onto Pratt street in front of our homes and I have contacted our landlord to ask that they make sure it is locked to prevent people from just using our street as a place to wander through or hang out.
Debbie
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miranda
Community Activist
Posts: 66
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Crime
Aug 28, 2006 8:47:10 GMT -5
Post by miranda on Aug 28, 2006 8:47:10 GMT -5
Just to let you all know, unfortunately a woman was robbed in Barre Circle this morning just before 9 AM. I do not know a lot except that the individual got her purse, but that she was able to yell and get away and is apparently ok. The police were swarming Barre St. searching for the person/persons who did this as I walked by on my way to work. They were asking us to be very careful.
I hope everyone stays safe and remains aware of who might be around them. Please let us know if you have any more information or updates.
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Crime
Aug 28, 2006 12:43:04 GMT -5
Post by streetchie on Aug 28, 2006 12:43:04 GMT -5
A friend of mine told me over the weekend that he was jumped at Pratt and Scott Street at 5pm one day last week by a group of teenagers. This may be the same group mentioned earlier in this thread. Fortunately he fought them off and they were unable to get anything from him. I've taken to carying pepper spray. You can get it at any gun shop and most sporting goods stores. Everyone be safe.
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Nicole
Barre Circle
Posts: 246
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Crime
Aug 31, 2006 12:03:19 GMT -5
Post by Nicole on Aug 31, 2006 12:03:19 GMT -5
I almost always feel safe in our neighborhood, but incidents like these make me not want to take a walk with my baby. I like it here but sometimes (like this) I really want to move.
I'm sorry for all the victims of the recent crimes.
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Crime
Sept 2, 2006 20:16:18 GMT -5
Post by Carol Ott on Sept 2, 2006 20:16:18 GMT -5
Nicole if you ever want a walking partner, let me know. I stroll through Camden Crossing and down Washington Boulevard all the time, and would love someone to walk with.
I'm hoping now that school is in session, the crime rate will go down again like it did last year.
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Crime
Sept 14, 2006 18:37:04 GMT -5
Post by firefly on Sept 14, 2006 18:37:04 GMT -5
Hi Everyone, I am the unfortunate woman who was robbed early a couple weeks ago. They did catch the person responsible. Apparently, he had a habit of hanging out near the trash on Monday mornings and robbed another woman in Ridgelys right outside her front door. I would urge everyone to be very careful walking out your door in the morning. The police told me to report anyone hanging around appearing to look through trash. I've only lived here 3 months, but this experience has made me decide that I no longer want to live in this area. Especially since parking seems to have disappeared lately. I have known several people that have lived here without any incidents, but the area seems to be getting very sketchy. Just be safe everyone!
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Nicole
Barre Circle
Posts: 246
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Crime
Sept 18, 2006 8:13:37 GMT -5
Post by Nicole on Sept 18, 2006 8:13:37 GMT -5
firefly, I'm so sorry that happened to you. It has got to be a scary thing.
Parking has disappeared because school is back in session, and students abuse our parking permits. Some students sell or lend their visitor passes to thier friends so the friends can park here for free and walk to school. This issue is addressed in the most recent community newletter. You'll also notice that the rules governing visitor pass use have changed this year - now "abuse" is defined as using a visitor pass three times a week for three weeks. If anyone is found to be doing that, the pass will be revoked. (The rules are written on the back of the passes.)
Carol, I'd love to walk with you. I'm working on Mondays but the other days are free.
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Crime
Sept 18, 2006 19:31:13 GMT -5
Post by Carol Ott on Sept 18, 2006 19:31:13 GMT -5
I've had at least four posts typed out that I deleted...but I'll try again.
Firefly, let me start by saying that I, like Nicole above, am so sorry to hear what happened to you. I've been a crime victim three times (all in DC, not here) and it's one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a person. I'd like to give you the wise advice someone gave me after I was robbed in front of my house in DC -- seek counselling, the professional kind. Just a few sessions, to give you a little perspective on what happened to you and what life is like in the city. It did wonders for me, and there's never any shame in asking for help when it's needed.
Which brings me to my next point. The neighbourhood.
I'm only going to address the "very sketchy" part, because Nicole explained the parking issue, and everything she said is 100% correct. In fact, there's a certain someone who lives on Barre Street who's about to find that they won't have parking *priveleges* for much longer, but I digress...
Our neighbourhood is no "sketchier" than Federal Hill, Ridgelys, Otterbein, or any other middle-class to upper-middle class neighbourhood in Baltimore City. If you look at the crime statistics, we've actually gotten off easier than Federal Hill and Otterbein. Over the summer, several residents on the "other side" of the stadiums were victims of violent crime -- stabbings and assaults, along with robberies.
In the six years I've lived in Baltimore, I've yet to find that perfect crime-free neighbourhood where we can all live in relative safety. It's not inherent to cities, I'm afraid. An upswing in what I call "personal crimes" -- muggings, things being taken from the front porch, purse snatchings -- is unfortunately the norm when you live in an area that is experiencing a "revitalization" -- because as we all know, the economic benefits are only seen by select residents. The gap between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' widens, and the 'have-nots' lash out.
After I was robbed in DC, one of my neighbours was pistol-whipped in front of his house, and his briefcase was stolen along with his wallet. Did we move? Certainly not. We're city people, and this is one of the chances you take when you live in the city. Just like people who live in trailers in the Oklahoma flats, we know what the risks are, and we stay because this is where we want to be.
Don't leave because you were the victim of a crime and now think this is a bad neighbourhood, because it isn't. If this was such a terrible neighbourhood, I wouldn't be raising my son here, and I certainly wouldn't be sinking my life savings into opening a business here. I think making a judgement after a bad incident and only living here three months, that's a bit harsh and unfair.
But hey -- it's just my .02.
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Crime
Sept 19, 2006 7:03:09 GMT -5
Post by fourknots on Sept 19, 2006 7:03:09 GMT -5
Carol makes some good points. We moved here last month from the boonies of peaceful southern Maryland where I never locked my car. I knew this would be differerent and I expect some challenges. My wife walks to UMB everyday from Scott St. and I worry about her. But it's a risk we've decided to take. When we sailed to places like El Salvador and Guatemala, we knew we'd have far less protection than we would in the states, and we managed the risks. We felt the benefits outweighed the risks. It's just like here - parts of Baltimore are like a third world country. The odds of getting mugged are substantial, but I think they can be managed. A good friend is a cop and we've discussed city safety. Here's what I tell my wife:
Don't leave the house without deciding to be aware at all times - even peer through the door's peephole each time before you open it.
Walk with a purpose and don't be afraid to look everyone in the eye. Say good morning, even to the scruffiest people - it throws them off. Do not look like a "victim." Walk with head erect, eyes front, making eye contact with those you pass.
If something or someone "just doesn't look or feel right" it probably isn't. Avoid the situation, turn and walk in the opposite direction or cross the street. Get to a more public area.
If you are being followed when walking, change directions, vary speed. Go to a well-lit area where there are other people.
Don't stop to talk to anyone you don't know - keep walking as you're talking.
Know exactly where you are in case you need to make a 911 call.
Avoid taking shortcuts through alleys or isolated areas. Walk in well-lit areas and stay near the curb, away from alleys, entryways and bushes where someone could be hiding.
Avoid short cuts. Walk where there are other people present.
Be aware of who is watching you. Look around; take notice of people, vehicles around you.
Don't look wealthy. In third world countries we took off all of our jewelry, including our wedding rings. If you don't have it, they can't take it. Don't keep your cell phone visible. I used to keep mine on a clip, but lots of robberies involve cell phone theft (pretty effing stupid if you ask me). We've taken everything that would be difficult to replace out of wallets and purses (pix of the kids, etc). We've also made copies of the front and back of all credit cards, drivers licenses, insurance cards, etc. If the worst happens, they get some credit cards that will be cancelled within minutes (because we have the numbers to call already copied), some business cards, a few bucks, a cell phone, perscription glasses, some change and a pile of lint. Avoid carrying your checkbook - fixing that problem could be very difficult and time consuming.
Get a small key-chain pepper sprayer and be able to get to it instantly.
If the worst happens, don't fight, don't get mad, just do what they say. Everything can be replaced - your life is not worth anything you own. After it's over, then get mad and take action.
Know your neighbors. They'll look out for you, and you look out for them. When everyone is paying attention, the bad guys find other places to go.
Get a dog. We have a 35 pound Border Collie and though she's generally friendly, most people, especially the sketchy ones, seem to be afraid of her. She barks inside when people stop and talk in front of the house and I doubt anyone will try to break in. My wife takes her for a walk in the mornings and I'm sure that the bad guys would prefer to rob someone without a dog.
Use places like this message board to warn others and take out your frustrations. Nobody wants to be victim of a crime, but if it happens, we'll give you a shoulder to cry on or listen to your anger and frustration.
There are lots of nearby areas that are sketchy, but the more I see the area and meet the people, the more I realize that the VAST majority are just folks trying to get by. It's the small percentage of scumbags that are the cause of nearly all the local problems. If you move, they win.
Be safe and hopefully, we won't have to hear about anymore of us victimized.
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Crime
Sept 19, 2006 19:09:31 GMT -5
Post by firefly on Sept 19, 2006 19:09:31 GMT -5
Hi Everyone, Thanks for your support. I just want everyone to know that I didn't mean to offend anyone by saying that the neighborhood was "sketchy." I have good moments when I realize that I am okay and it could have been worse, but I think I was in a bad moment and was upset about the post regarding someone being beaten up by a gang of kids. I'm used to living in a very rural area where I would look out my window and see cows so living in the city is definitely different for me, but I was getting used to everything it had to offer. I know that these incidents can happen everywhere, but I just didn't think it happened in broad daylight, but according to the police that is when most muggings occur. I've stayed away for a couple of weeks now and I think I am going to try and come back soon. I agree that it really is important to know your neighbors. When I was running down the street away from this person I was thinking where am I going to go. I didn't know anyone else in the neighborhood. It turns out many people where home when this occurred and came outside after the fact. I think I am going to try and come to the next community meeting that way I can get to know everyone. I have one neighbor who I say hi to and she just looks at me. I'm not sure why she doesn't want to be more friendly. Thanks again.
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Crime
Sept 19, 2006 19:20:47 GMT -5
Post by Carol Ott on Sept 19, 2006 19:20:47 GMT -5
Firefly, where do you live? Next time, try sticking your tongue out at your neighbour. (No, sorry, don't do that, but honestly -- don't you want to?)
Please do reconsider leaving for good -- this is a great place to live. If I'm home, you're always welcome to bang on my door -- 1022 W. Barre -- even if something doesn't go wrong.
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