Silent Night, Safe Night
By Jonathan McGowan
Did you ever get to so busy during the holiday season that you forget to practice good car safety and to celebrate positive happenings in the Linthicum area?
Safety During the Holidays
The holiday season is upon us and the Anne Arundel County Police Department is increasing their presence at the local shopping centers. In addition, patrol cars will be in the area shopping center parking lots with “lights on” to highlight their presence in an effort to deter crime. The holiday months are normally very active for crime activity. Shoppers should pay close attention to where they are parking, look for well lighted areas, lock their cars and should not leave items in plain sight. Drivers should secure their keys and be ready to enter their cars after leaving the stores. If all else fails, shoppers can use their car alarm to draw attention.
The auto theft divisions for Anne Arundel County Police Department are combining their efforts in reducing and solving auto thefts with neighboring jurisdictions. The Northern District is working with Baltimore County and Baltimore City Police Departments to coordinate in tracking cross county movement of stolen vehicles. The Southern District is working with Prince George’s and Howard Counties in their efforts. Automobile theft in the Northern District is currently showing an increase. With the cold months upon us, car warm ups and, leaving your car unintended, gas station fill-ups and not locking your cars, lead to majority of the vehicle thefts.
Here’s a helpful suggestion- Just in case the misfortune of an auto theft confronts you, a very helpful tool for most people is the mobile phone. Most mobile phones are capable of taking photographs. Take one or two pictures of your cars with the tag number visible. You can store the photo safely on your phone, and in the event of a vehicle loss, you could display a very accurate description to police officers.
The Linthicum area roadways are in the final stages of completing the pavement resurfacing and lane markings that now include designated bicycle lanes through our neighborhood. This is an effort to connect the bicycle trail network across Maryland. This recently completed segment of bicycle lanes will connect the BWI trail and the bicycle trail heading north along Belle Grove Road and into Baltimore City. Please take special notice along Camp Meade Road (Main Street) and the intersections adjoining the bicycle lanes.
Happenings around the community
The Police Committee Relations Council (PCRC) awarded two Anne Arundel County Northern District Police officers the “Officer of the Year” award, Sergeant Dan Devoe and Detective Christopher Manalanson. They were presented a plaque and a citation at the November meeting. Both Police officers were cited from the Governor’s and the County Executive’s offices for their outstanding police efforts in community relations during the past year. Also, present during the ceremony were the newly appointed Chief of Police, Timothy Altomare, and newly appointed Northern District Captain, Thomas Kohlmann.
The Holidays Lights Program by the Linthicum Decorating Committee adds a special feeling of seasonal pride to our neighborhood. The community owes them many, many thanks and gratitude to the hard working volunteers giving our neighborhood a festive holiday season spirit. Well done everyone!
In closing, have a safe and peaceful holiday season. Cheers!