Yard Thefts Continue With Warmer Temperatures

Spring means more outdoor activity, it also means a spike in certain weather-related crimes, such as bicycle, scooter and yard equipment theft.

However, as much as 26 percent of all property theft in Precinct 12 is related to people not locking bicycles, storage sheds, car doors and homes, according to Capt. Woodland M. Wilson, III, commander of the North Point Station.

The Baltimore County Police Department suggests all bike owners engrave their bikes. If necessary, owners can go to the local precinct and borrow an engraving tool, Baltimore County police said in a recent press release.

Police say using the ID numbers from a driver's license or Maryland ID card is the best way to mark your bike. Never use a social security number as an ID number, they caution.

Police also suggest when storing a bike in a shed or garage, lock and attach it to a lawn mower or other heavy, bulky equipment. Thieves break into sheds and garages, but attaching a bike to a piece of heavy equipment makes it more difficult to just walk or ride away from the area.

For more information on how to safeguard your bike and other valuables in your home, garage or shed, contact Precinct 12’s Community Outreach Officer. The precinct’s main number is 410-887-7320.

The following is a sampling of recently reported bicycle and warm weather related thefts in Precinct 12:

Longpoint Road, 8200 block, between 10 p.m. May 5 and 8 a.m. May 6. A 20-inch Outbreak mountain bike with silver sprokets, horn and gel seat was stolen from the front porch of a home at the above location.

Bethlehem Avenue, 1700 block, between 2 a.m. and 7:20 a.m., May 8. A 125CC Pantella dirt bike, valued at $800, was stolen from the rear yard of a home at the above location.

Stratman Road, 7900 block, between 6:55 p.m. and 7:01 p.m., April 29. A lawnmower was removed from a rear yard at the above location. A witness told police that a white male, wearing a white T-shirt, red jacket and jeans, driving a white box truck with ladders on top, removed the lawnmower and placed in into the truck and drove away.

Yorkway, 3300 block, between 2 p.m. April 29 and 3 p.m. May 4. A lawnmower, pool pump weedeater and blower vac were stolen from an unlocked shed at the above location.

Harold Road, 7800 block, between 8 p.m. April 30 and 11 a.m. May 1. A brown and orange BMX Thruster bicycle, valued at $75, was stolen from a fenced yard at the above location..

Creston Road, 2800 block, between 9 p.m. May 2 and 7:41 a.m. May 3. A weedeater, grass blower and propane tank were stolen from a fenced backyard at the above location. The camera was stolen from a vehicle parked in front of the home.

Wallford Drive, 3100 block, between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., May 2. A Craftsman lawnmower was stolen from a rear fenced yard at a home at the above location.

St. Fabian, 7800 block, between 4 p.m. and April 28 and 4 p.m. April 29. A bicycle was removed from a fenced in yard.