News

Eleven Vehicles Broken Into; Various Items Stolen

HCPD Daily Crime Bulletin, Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Theft from vehicle/vehicle break-in
Columbia, 21044: In the overnight hours of Dec. 3-4, unknown suspect(s) broke into 11 vehicles and stole various items at the following locations: 5900 block of Cedar Fern Court; 6000 block of Tree Swallow Court; 6200 block of Golden Hook; 6200 block of Cardinal Lane; 6300 block of Bright Plume; 6400 block of Red Keel; 10600 block of Steamboat Landing; 10600 block of Harpoon Hill; 10900 block of Little Sparrow Place; and 10600 block of Quarterstaff Road.


HCPD Give Tips to Avoid Package Theft

Howard County police have arrested two 13-year-old male juveniles in a package theft that occurred last Thursday in the 9500 block of Pamplona Road in Columbia. The resident filed a police report, but also posted doorbell video of the crime on the Neighbors app. Multiple other residents also caught the pair on camera and officers were able to quickly identify them. Doorbell cameras, used in conjunction with the Neighbors app, were very helpful in the quick closure of this case. Residents do not need to own a doorbell camera to join Neighbors, a free, anonymous video-sharing app. Download the app by texting “HCPD” to 555888.

Other tips for avoiding package theft include:
– Plan to track your shipments and try to be home when they are scheduled to arrive. If you won’t be home, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take the package inside until you get home.
– Request that the delivery service leave the package in a less-obvious location, like a side or back door, that can’t be seen from the sidewalk.
– Ask your employer if you can have the shipment delivered to your workplace.

Police will continue increased neighborhood patrols throughout the holiday season. Neighborhood Community Resource Officers were able to close this case quickly, however as online holiday shopping continues, package thefts are likely to continue. Remain vigilant and reports all thefts to police.

https://www.facebook.com/HowardCountyPoliceDepartment/videos/2365865827073615/