Rockville City Weekly Crime Summary August 12, 2012

[Howard Hartman]

Rockville City Police Department
Police Crime Report

For the Week ending August 12, 2012

Tips of the Week:

The Rockville City Police Department would like to provide citizens with tips on how to protect your bicycle from being stolen.

Protecting Your Bicycle Against Theft:

• A bicycle can be stolen from just about any place, but simple precautions can deter would-be bike thieves and prevent a long walk home. Always lock your bicycle securely, whether you're gone for a few minutes or a few hours. Remember, most bikes that are stolen were not locked!
  
  
• Mark your bicycle with an engraver to deter thieves and to help the police in identifying and returning a stolen bike to the rightful owner. Use a unique number such as your driver’s license number. Record the serial number of your bicycle and keep it with the sales receipt and a photograph of the bike. Register your bike with the police.
  
  
• The most common tools used by a bicycle thief are bolt or cable cutters. These tools are powerful enough to cut through chains, cables and padlocks up to 3/8 inch thick. A hardened steel chain or cable at least 7/16 inch thick with the same size padlock can provide a degree of security for an inexpensive bike in a low risk area. Try not to buy a chain that is hardened all the way through. Sometimes a 100% hardened chain can be broken with a hammer blow. A non-hardened inner core will still make it difficult to defeat with a hammer or bolt cutters, but the hardened outer jacket protects the chain from hacksaws.
  
  
• If you decide to use a cable, select one at least six feet in length so the frame and front tire can be secured. Remember, the heavier the chain the better. Inspect the chain for welded link construction. A non-welded or twisted chain can be defeated by opening one link with a spreading tool.
  
  
• A cable or chain requires an equally secure padlock. A good padlock should have at least a 7/16 inch hardened alloy steel shackle. (The shackle is the movable part of the padlock). The word 'hardened' will be stamped on the shackle. The shackle should also lock 'heel and toe'. If the lock has the double-locking feature, an indentation will be present on each shackle leg.
  
  
• The best security lock for a bicycle is a 'U' shaped lock specifically designed for bicycles. Their construction discourages sawing, cutting or smashing. Shop around and avoid cheaply made locks. The less expensive locks are usually made of a lesser grade steel and will not stand up to an attack.

How and Where to Lock Your Bicycle:

• Thieves tend not to like crowds, so park your bicycle where there is a high degree of pedestrian traffic. If someone tries to steal the bike, it is possible that they might be seen by a passerby.
  
  
• Always attach the bicycle to an immovable object, such as a bicycle rack, light pole, etc. Make sure it cannot be taken by merely lifting the chain or cable over the fixed object. Try to avoid locking your bike to a tree or other living plant. The constant abrasion of the metal bicycle will damage the tree over time and may kill it altogether. Don't secure your bike to handrails. Bicycles may be removed from handrails for safety reasons.
  
  
• Position the lock as high off the ground as you can so it's difficult to gain leverage by bracing one leg of a bolt cutter against the ground. This will also reduce the likelihood of anyone trying to smash the lock or pry it open. Secure the bike by closing the lock's shackle around some portion of the bike such as the handlebar or seat support.
  
  
• Always try to anchor both wheels as well as the frame with your chain or cable. If you have quick-release wheels, take the front wheel off the bike and lock it with the frame. Never lock your bike by the front or rear wheel alone. Thieves will as willingly steal part of your bike if they cannot get the entire bicycle
  
  
• If your bicycle is stolen, please report it to the Police Department. Many times the Police recover bicycles that have not been reported stolen, and we are unable to give them back to the rightful owners

Help us in the fight against crime by not becoming a victim.

City Police Reported Incidents

A R R E S T S

• A male, age 14, was arrested on 08/05/12 in the 100 block of E. Montgomery Avenue for a theft that occurred earlier in the 700 block of Princeton Place on 07/18/12.
  
  
• 12800 block of Atlantic Avenue, a male, age 40, was arrested for trespassing and obstructing and hindering a police investigation on 08/05/12 between 6:08 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
  
  
• 700 block of Rockville Pike, a male, age 36, was arrested for 2 counts of trespassing on 08/08/12 between 2:20 p.m. and 2:26 p.m.
  
  
• 14900 block of Shady Grove Road, a male, age 42, was arrested for failure to provide identification upon request, to a law enforcement officer on 08/08/12 between 11:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
  
  
• 300 block of Barnside Place, a male age 17, was arrested for theft on 08/08/12 between 4:30 p.m. and 4:36 p.m.
  
  
• 300 block of Martins Lane, a male, age 21, was arrested for possession of CDS-marijuana and possession of CDS-paraphernalia on 08/09/12 at 1:27 p.m.
  
  
• 700 block of Hungerford Drive, 2 males, ages 28 and 39 years old, were arrested for drinking in public on 08/09/12 at 5:39 p.m.
  
  
• Taft Street and Loftstrand Lane, a male, age 20, was arrested for possession with intent to distribute CDS-marijuana on 08/10/12 at 10:10 p.m.
  
  
• 600 block of Hungerford Drive, a male, age 26, was arrested for theft on 08/12/12 between 4:40 p.m. and 4:51 p.m.
  
  
• 800 block of Rockville Pike, a female, age 18, was arrested for theft on 08/13/12 between 12:51 p.m. and 12:54 p.m.

I N C I D E N T S

• 1400 block of Research Boulevard, an unknown subject(s) gained access by prying open a rear door to a restaurant between 08/03/12-6:00 p.m. and 08/06/12-6:00 a.m. Once inside the unknown subject(s) removed U.S. currency, and 3 cartons and 5 packs of cigarettes.
  
  
• 300 block of Hungerford Drive, the complainant reported that an unknown subject removed a wallet containing U.S. currency, 3 credit/debit cards and an identification card from her purse while at a retail store on 08/04/12 between 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
  
  
• 1700 block of Rockville Pike, the complainant reported that an unknown male and an unknown female entered the store and removed several items of clothing on 08/04/12 between 6:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.
  Suspects are described as:
  
  
  • #1 – B/F, 30-40 years old, 5’4”-5’6”, 175-185 pounds, medium length black hair, heavy build – Last Seen Wearing: white baggy dress
    
  • #2 – B/M, 40-45 years old, 5’6”-5’8”, 170-180 pounds, bald, medium build, has 2 gold teeth – Last Seen Wearing: white baggy shirt, black baggy pants
  
  
• 500 block of Oak Knoll Terrace, the complainant reported that an unknown subject removed U.S. currency and a pair of designer sunglasses from a vehicle between 08/05/12-4:00 p.m. and 08/09/12-4:45 p.m.
  
  
• 100 block of Rollins Avenue, the complainant reported that an unknown subject removed a GPS, and a pair of designer sunglasses from a vehicle on 08/06/12 between 10:15 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
  
  
• 100 block of Frederick Avenue, the complainant reported that an unknown subject removed a passenger side mirror from a vehicle between 08/06/12-10:30 p.m. and 08/07/12-9:00 a.m.
  
  
• Maryland Avenue and Prospect Hill Place, the complainant reported that he was approached from behind by an unknown subject, who produced a weapon and demanded property on 08/06/12 between 8:14 p.m. and 8:39 p.m. The complainant complied and the unknown subject fled the area.
  Suspect is described as: B/M, 20-22 years old, 5’11”-6’0”, 150-180 pounds, brown eyes, bald or shaved head, medium skin tone, medium build – Last Seen Wearing: blue jeans, polo style green and white striped shirt
  
  
• 1600 block of Rockville Pike, an unknown subject(s) gained access by climbing onto a roof top and entered through an unlocked door next to a rooftop patio at a restaurant on 08/06/12 between 4:11 a.m. and 4:35 a.m. Once inside the unknown subject(s) removed U.S. currency.
  
  
• 800 block of College Parkway, the complainant reported that an unknown subject(s) removed a laptop from a vehicle on 08/07/12 between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.
  
  
• 800 block Rockville Pike, the complainant reported that an unknown subject removed a purse containing make-up, U.S. currency, a pair of eyeglasses, a pair of sunglasses, a tote bag, a pair of tennis shoes, and miscellaneous clothing from a vehicle on 08/07/12 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
  
  
• 1100 block of Seven Locks Road, the complainant reported that an unknown subject entered the men’s locker room at a gym and forced open his locker and removed U.S. currency and vehicle keys on 08/07/12 between 8:32 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
  
  
• 12500 block of Ardennes Avenue, an unknown subject gained access by unknown means into an office between 08/07/12-4:00 p.m. and 08/08/12-6:10 p.m. Once inside the unknown subject removed 3 laptops.
  
  
• 15100 block of Frederick Road, the complainant reported that an unknown subject removed U.S. currency from her wallet that was left unattended at a store on 08/08/12 between 5:45 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
  
  
• 200 block of New Mark Esplanade, the complainant reported that an unknown subject removed a wallet, U.S. currency, a camera, and 2 credit/debit cards from an unlocked vehicle between 08/08/12-6:00 p.m. and 08/09/12-2:43 a.m.
  
  
• 1200 block of Brooke Drive, an unknown subject gained access by unknown means into a residence on 08/09/12 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Once inside the unknown subject removed a laptop and a camera.
  
  
• 1200 block of Highwood Road, the complainant reported that an unknown subject(s) removed several prescription medications from his residence on 08/09/12 between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
  
  
• Unit block of Research Court, the complainant reported that an unknown subject had removed U.S. currency from a hotel safe between 08/09/12-11:00 p.m. and 08/10/12-2:50 p.m.
  
  
• 600 block of Hungerford Drive, the complainant reported that 3 unknown subjects entered the business and replaced items into a shopping cart on 08/10/12 between 1:30 p.m. and 1:36 p.m. The subjects then left the store without paying for the items.
  Suspects are described as:
  
  
  • #1 – W/F, 20-25 years old, 5’4”-5’7”, 120 pounds, medium length brown hair, thin build – Last Seen Wearing: blue jeans, black T-shirt
    
  • #2 – B/F, 25-30 years old, 5’4”-5’7”, medium length black hair, wearing glasses, medium build – Last Seen Wearing: blue jeans, yellow Aero shirt
    
  • #3 – B/M, 25-40 years old, 5’8”-5’11”, 180-200 pounds, short black hair, medium build – Last Seen Wearing: black shirt with yellow design on the front, blue shorts
  
  
• 1600 block of Congressional Lane, the complainant reported that after dining outside at a restaurant, she inadvertently left her purse containing a wallet, credit cards and a set of keys, hanging on the back of a chair on 08/10/12 between 2:30 p.m. and 2:49 p.m. When the complainant returned to the restaurant to get her purse, it was gone.
  
  
• 100 block of Rollins Avenue, the complainant reported that while eating lunch at a restaurant, an unknown subject removed his wallet containing U.S. currency, a bank card and a driver’s license, from a table on 08/11/12 between 12:40 p.m. and 12:45 p.m.
  
  
• 1400 block of Longhill Drive, the complainant reported that an unknown subject removed an Ipod and U.S. currency from two vehicles between 08/11/12-7:00 p.m. and 08/12/12-1:33 p.m.
  
  
• 600 block of Hungerford Drive, the complainant reported an unknown subject entered the business and placed items in a bag, then left the store without paying for them on 08/12/12 between 6:45 p.m. and 7:01 p.m.

As a reminder, citizens are encouraged to contact the Rockville City Police Department with any information on incidents listed above or to report a crime occurring within the City limits at 240-314-8900.

www.rockvillemd.gov/police