BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — Baltimore County leaders, including County Executive Kathy Klausmeier and Police Chief Robert McCullough, joined a community walk in Catonsville on Friday afternoon to show solidarity after a recent crime spree.
The walk took place along Frederick Road, days after seven businesses were targeted by burglars.
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Pat Young, Baltimore County Council member for District 1, said, “This walk is about showing how safe our community is and act as a deterrent too, where folks will not be a target or target this area if they know that a community is rallying around the folks that have been affected by crime.”
Among the affected businesses was “Painted Whims,” a furniture and gift shop.
Owner Bridgette Callahan expressed her shock, saying, “I was shocked, because things like that don’t happen here.”
Although nothing was stolen, the damage — shattered glass panel on the front door and door damage — amounted to $730 for repairs.
Callahan added, “I was worried about my neighbors because they had some worse things happen., and then I was very thankful that they didn’t break a larger window.”
Police have increased patrols and are actively investigating the incidents, having obtained surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts. Despite concerns about a perceived uptick in crime, Chief McCullough said, “Crime is totally down in Baltimore County, and it’s down to significant lows historically. So, there is no uptick in crime in Baltimore County. However, if there’s a perception, that’s still a concern to us.”
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Baltimore County data indicates a decline in break-ins last year, with property thefts in Catonsville decreasing by 10 from 2024.
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