Watch Your Back

I hate to say, “I told you so,” but…

I have been writing and commenting for years about the destabilization of our area, and all that time I have been decried a racist, a naysayer, and a pessimist … among other things.

However, just as I predicted, the “Broken Window Theory” is upon us in Dundalk.

Now for those of you that don’t know what that term means, here is the definition, which often refers to destabilization:

“(T)he insight of broken windows is that they are called on to address minor quality-of-life offenses and incidents of social disorder to prevent more serious crime, and that they must take specific steps to increase the capacity of communities to exert informal social control.”

(Note: Under the NYPD “stop and frisk” program, violence in areas where this was used experienced a drop in violent crime. The race baiters attacked the program, but let the facts speak for themselves.)

Case in point about our area: I just noticed that one of our major food chains now has a constant police presence inside the store.

As if that isn’t scary enough, I recently received the following e-mail from a concerned citizen by way of the Baltimore County Police Department; these were sent to the citizens of Dundalk:

Baltimore County Police Dept. Community Outreach
1747 Merritt Blvd. Baltimore Md. 21222
(410) 887-7337,
5/28/2014 9:00 AM >>>

Good morning all,

I just wanted to pass along some information about the increase in cell phone thefts in the area (particularly around the city line).

Investigations have revealed teenage black males are stealing cell phones from females and elderly.  Several incidents have occurred at the mall and food court (Eastpoint mall).  Victims have their cell phones in their hands and on tables.  The incidents are typically happening between 1500-1700 hours.

Schools are about to end for the school year so the time frame will change.  Everyone please be mindful and stay safe.

Here is a second e-mail from a concerned citizen after watching the police search for such activity:

Subject: RE: KEEP ALL YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS LOCKED: HOUSE, CAR, SHED, etc.

Dear Neighbors,

We are hearing more and more reports of people walking the streets at night checking for unlocked vehicles to break into and steal whatever they can get.

We've heard car alarms go off. The police are called. 

Please keep all doors and windows locked in your house, cars and shed.

Remind your neighbors of what has been going on.

Please be vigilant. If you see suspicious behavior call 911 immediately. 

Simply put, Baltimore is one of the most violent cities in the country. That is a fact. The majority of crime is within one ethnic group. That is also a fact. So, I question why any program that aims to stop what we saw in today’s Sun would be seen as unworthy? Apparently, to the Al Sharpton’s of the world, the program is racist. After all, Rev. Al is never wrong, except when he makes a mistake.

The violence and bloodshed will only stop when society decides to demand civility and accountability—period.

So there you have it. The Broken Window/destabilization is having a serious impact on our community. 

Heck, even Walmart has a constant police presence now.

As I recall, it was announced at the last community association event that I attended that crime in Dundalk was on the rise … yet again.

Just one word of advice, folks: Watch your neighbor’s back … and your own.