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Baltimore County Burglary Statistics: Should the Numbers Concern You?

September 26, 2018

Security camera and private house on the backgroundWhile rates of total crime in Baltimore County increased by nearly 4 percent last year, incidences of burglary dropped 15 percent from 2016.  There were 776 nighttime residential burglaries reported in 2016, compared to just 440 last year. Overall, 2017 was saw a marked decrease in theft, burglaries and various types of property crime, which is encouraging news for Baltimore County residents.

What accounts for this decrease in criminal activity? Possible factors include increased police presence, neighborhood watches, and an uptick in home security systems. Anecdotal evidence shows that criminals tend to avoid properties equipped with security cameras since the risk of being caught is too great.

As a leading provider of residential and commercial security solutions in the Mid-Atlantic region, Maryland Security Professionals is encouraged by this downward trend in burglary rates. Outfitting your property with the latest in video surveillance can help deter theft and safeguard your assets.

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How are Robbery, Burglary and Theft Defined?

The terms burglary, theft and robbery are sometimes used interchangeably. In the context of criminal law, these acts have distinct differences and consequences. They all entail the unlawful taking (or attempt to take) another person’s personal property.

  • Theft – Depending on the jurisdiction, theft can be referred to as petty theft, larceny or grand theft. At its core, it’s the act of stealing another person’s property without their consent, depriving the original owner of its use or permanent possession. According to criminal statutes in Maryland, there are many theft offenses that can be classified as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the property or services stolen.
  • Robbery – Like theft, robbery is the act of taking property that does not lawfully belong to you. The difference is that a robbery must be committed against a person or people. Unlike a burglary, the victim must be at the scene when the act takes place. Robbery is considered a violent crime, although the victim does not have to be injured. In a robbery, the perpetrator uses intimidation, force or threat of violence, such as bank hold-up.
  • Burglary – A burglary is legally defined as the unlawful entry into a structure or dwelling with the intention to commit theft or a crime. A burglary can be committed without use of force — breaking into a home by opening an unlocked window, for example. A structure or dwelling may include various types of buildings like personal residence, offices, commercial buildings, workshops and garden sheds.

Baltimore County burglary stats

In 2017, the Baltimore County government published the following statistics on burglary crimes:

  • Total residential burglaries (Day and Night): 1,967
  • Total non-Residential burglaries: 1,147
  • Forcible entries: 1,785
  • Unlawful entries: 960

Home security solutions in Baltimore County

Baltimore County residents who want to prevent and help solve burglary crimes should consider installing a video surveillance system. Call Maryland Security Professionals to schedule a free audit and receive an estimate that will best serve your residential and commercial security needs.

Additional Resources:

  1. Baltimore County Government, Crime Statistics 2017 https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/crimestats/crime2017yearend.html
  2. Baltimore County Government, EXECUTIVE TABLE 2017 VS 2016 http://resources.baltimorecountymd.gov/Documents/Police/2018pdfs/2017vs2016executivetable.pdf
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