Recent statistics shared by the Baltimore County Government reveal a promising yet contrasting trend in crime reduction across Charm City.
The data shows a 36% decline in the number of homicides and a 30% reduction in non-fatal shootings compared to the same time last year.
According to the report, the Baltimore County Police Department has cleared over 63 percent of homicide cases to date, which they say exceeds the national clearance rate, which averaged approximately 50 percent as of 2020.
Police Commissioner Worley credits these positive changes to various factors, including greater community cooperation and proactive efforts by law enforcement.
He also emphasizes that officers are increasingly patrolling on foot rather than from their patrol cars.
However, despite the reduction in violent crimes, some residents continue to face other challenges.
Brian, a 35-year-old resident of Federal Hill, expressed his frustration with the dirt bike activity in his neighborhood in an interview with WBAL Radio’s Chris Cichon.
In April 2024, the state’s attorney for Baltimore City and the Baltimore police commissioner announced the effort to stop illegal dirt bike activity.
According to officials, fines for parents, guardians, and businesses could be issued if they allow or have knowledge of minors dirt biking in Baltimore.
“As the weather warms up and illegal dirt bike usage increases, we need to explore every option to curb these activities,” said Police Commissioner Richard Worley.
“It is a nuisance, disruptive to our neighborhoods, and detrimental to our residents’ quality of life. To businesses who are knowingly aiding these dirt bike riders: You are adding fuel to the fire and will be cited.”
In April, BPD had seized 29 dirt bikes and ATVs. Now, officers can issue citations to service stations and other businesses that sell fuel to dirt bike riders. If violated, businesses could face:
- First offense: $250
- Second offense: $500
- Third offense: $1,000
Parents or guardians of youth dirt biking could face:
- First offense: Diversion for parenting classes or other resources
- Second offense: $250
- Third offense: $500
- Subsequent offenses: $1,000
Riding or fueling a dirt bike in the city is against city ordinances, under Police Ordinance 40, “no service station nor any other person may sell, transfer, or dispense motor fuel for delivery into any dirt bike, unregistered motorcycle, or similar vehicle.”
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