Police Investigate Spike in Catonsville Break-ins

Baltimore County Police say they are aggressively investigating 11 that have occurred since mid-September in the Catonsville area.

The burglaries have been in different parts of the community, with many occurring in the daytime. In some instances, the burglars have kicked in or taken them off the .

Capt. John Spiroff, commander of Precinct 1/Wilkens, said that the burglaries represent an increase in crime in the area and police are working in several ways to catch the suspects.

"We not only want people to feel safe," he said, "but they have to be safe."

Police have been stepping up patrols with marked cars, but what residents may not see is the work they have been doing undercover, Spiroff said.

Officers have been dressed in plain clothes walking streets and alleys of targeted areas as well as patrolling in non-descript cars.

Residents have that they have not seen an increase in patrols in their neighborhood. While residents may not see what appears to be an increased police presence, Spiroff said that he is putting all of his extra resources on the burglaries.

Spiroff said he has also asked for additional resources from police headquarters, including detectives who work primarily on burglaries.

Spiroff also emphasized that residents can help by reporting anyone suspicious--such as a person knocking on doors or a car cruising a neighborhood--by calling 911.

He said residents can also ask police to do a home security evaluation for free. The assessment takes about an hour. Anyone interested should call 410-744-1584.

The police department, along with several community leaders, are also planning a safety summit on Nov. 1 in which police will talk about public safety issues.

The time and location of the event have not been confirmed.