Residents of Howard County are increasingly alarmed by a rise in crime, including vehicle thefts and gang activity, prompting calls for enhanced police presence and effective solutions.
Howard County Residents Voice Concerns Over Rising Crime Rates
According to the report of Fox Baltimore, residents in Howard County are getting worried as crime continues to rise in their area. On Thursday night, police were called to Whiteacre Road in Columbia after an 18-year-old man was shot. This incident has increased fears among those living in the community.
Residents in Howard County Neighborhood Speak Out About Growing Concerns Over Crime
Diana Lyles, who has lived in Howard County for years, has noticed more crime around her neighborhood. “I’ve seen car break-ins, gang fights, robberies, vehicle thefts, and more,” Lyles said. Many people in the area no longer feel as safe as they used to.
Lyles has been personally affected by the rise in crime. She has caught several crimes on her home security system, including break-ins and thefts. Lyles shared that someone tried to break into her car but failed, though they were able to get into her neighbor’s vehicle. “I was the victim of an attempted car break-in, thank God they weren’t able to get into my vehicle,” she said.
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(photo: Visit Howard County, Maryland)
Howard County Sees Sharp Increase in Car Theft Cases
Police data shows a big increase in vehicle thefts. From January 1 to May 31 of this year, there have been 442 vehicle thefts—more than 150 more than the same time last year. This rise in crime is worrying residents like Keisha Graves, who has seen stolen cars at her apartment complex.
Graves and other residents are especially concerned about kids being involved in these crimes. “It’s crazy because 13-year-olds are flipping cars,” Graves said. Many in the community want something done about it.
The Howard County Police Department acknowledged the rise in crime. “We are aware that auto theft and juvenile crime have been on the rise throughout the region and the state. Howard County is not immune to these trends,” they said in a statement.
Residents Call for More Action as Columbia Sees Rise in Crime Rates
Residents are calling for more police presence and greater action to tackle the problem. Matt Burns, another concerned resident, has noticed more police officers in his neighborhood and around Columbia. “I’ve seen it in my neighborhood and just driving around Columbia there have been a lot more police visible,” Burns said. Even with these efforts, people hope for more effective solutions to address the growing crime rates.
