Police warns of North Face jacket robbery trend in southeastern Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Baltimore police issued a robbery crime prevention alert on social media Wednesday, warning the public of a recent trend of people being robbed for North Face jackets and other high-end coats in the southeastern part of the city.

As temperatures drop, the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) said it typically sees an uptick in robberies.

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Most of these jacket robberies have happened during the early morning or late evening hours when people are walking alone or are distracted. The incidents have been occurring near bus stops, sidewalks, parking lots and transit areas, according to BPD.

In a Dec. 3 social media post, BPD said, “Be extra aware anytime it’s cold, dark, or you’re traveling alone.”

Police shared the following safety tips:

• Stay Alert: Keep your head up, limit phone use while walking, and avoid wearing both earbuds.
• Walk with Others: Stick to well-lit, busy areas whenever possible.
• Be Mindful of High-End Clothing: Consider when and where you wear expensive outerwear.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, change your route or go to a public place.
• Vehicle Awareness: Park in well-lit areas, have keys ready, and lock doors immediately.

If you are confronted:

• Your safety comes first — do not resist if threatened.
• Try to safely observe details (clothing, vehicle, direction of travel).
• Once safe, call 911 immediately and report what was taken.

To help keep the community safe, BPD said people should report suspicious activity as soon as possible and talk with teens and young adults who commonly wear North Face jackets.