Arbutus Home Burgled As Couple Slept

The items that were taken from Daniel and Geda Fitsum's home during an early morning March 20 burglary are material things that can be replaced.

The greater loss is the peace of mind that their Arbutus home was secure.

"I didn't sleep last night," Geda Fitsum said a day after the burglary, all the more unsettling because the couple were asleep in their bed during the break-in.

The Fitsums purchased their home on the 900-block of Elm Ridge Avenue in a tidy and close-knit community near the Arbutus Shopping Center five years ago.

"Everybody knows everybody on Elm Ridge," Geda Fitsum said. "This is the first time we've ever had a problem."

Daniel Fitsum first noticed something was wrong at around 5 a.m. on March 20 as he readied for his job as a parking lot attendant. DVDs that should have been neatly stored with the others by the entertainment center were scattered on the kitchen table.

Then the couple discovered several items missing from their home--two bottles of wine, a small bottle of liquor, a prepaid cell phone, Daniel's wallet with identification and credit card, and a set of keys.

When the full realization of what occurred sank in, Geda Fitsum said she was very upset. "I was shaking."

The Fitsums learned that the stolen card had already been used for an online purchase.

"We called the credit card company immediately," Geda Fitsum said. "Somebody used the card to buy boost [cell phone] minutes online from a company in Arizona."

Daniel discovered a window that was unlocked and demonstrated for a recent visitor how easily the residence could be breached--a vulnerability that has since been remedied.

The Fitsums said they are consulting a home security company and are considering having a home security survey conducted by the Baltimore County Police Department.

Police officers will assess a residence for security weaknesses and suggest ways to make a home safer and more secure, at no cost to residents.

For more information about a home security survey in the area, contact the Community Outreach Team at 410-744-1584.