Yard Thefts Continue With Warmer Temperatures
By Ron Cassie - Dundalk Patch
Property crimes increased 3.3 percent overall in 2010, with thefts up 6.7 percent.
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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.
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