Dear UMB Community:

In the past two days, we have received three reports of children damaging vehicles and University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) property in the University of Maryland BioPark. No one was injured in any of these incidents. As interim chief of the UMB Police Department (UMBPD), I want to make sure our entire UMB community is aware of these incidents and offer actions you can take to stay safe.

The first incident involved a UMBPD vehicle being damaged in the BioPark Garage located at 1 N. Poppleton St. The other two incidents involved damage that we believe was caused by a BB gun or pellet gun. A number of similar incidents occurred Dec. 27 and Dec. 28 in the 800 block of Hollins St. We have increased our police and security presence in the BioPark and are working with the Baltimore Police Department to end this destruction of property.

While crime is never the fault of the victim, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your property. Make sure to lock your vehicle and park in a secure, well-lit area. Remove all valuables from your vehicle and keep them out of sight. Request a Safe Walk by calling 410-706-6882 (6-6882 on campus); this service is available 24/7 on the UMB campus, including in the BioPark. We also provide three discounted rides per month in our service area through Lyft Ride Smart at UMB. 

Remember: If you see something, say something. Call UMB Police at 410-706-6882. In an emergency, always call 911. Together, we can ensure a safer UMB.

Sincerely,

Thomas Leone
UMB Interim Chief of Police