As an expert in law enforcement in central Maryland, I have witnessed the types of crimes that are most frequently reported to the police in this region. From my experience, there are several main categories of crimes that make up the majority of police reports in central Maryland.
Property Crimes
One of the most common types of crimes reported to the police in central Maryland are property crimes. These include theft, burglary, and vandalism. In fact, according to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, property crimes accounted for 71.4% of all reported crimes in Maryland in 2019. Property crimes can range from petty theft, such as shoplifting, to more serious offenses like home invasions.In central Maryland, many property crimes are related to drug use and addiction. Addicts may resort to stealing or breaking into homes and cars in order to support their habits. In addition, property crimes can also be influenced by economic factors. Areas with higher poverty rates tend to have higher rates of property crimes as individuals may turn to theft as a means of survival.
Violent Crimes
While property crimes make up the majority of reported crimes in central Maryland, violent crimes are also a significant concern for law enforcement. These include murder, assault, and robbery. In 2019, there were 7,778 violent crimes reported in Maryland, with 5,083 of those occurring in central Maryland.This means that central Maryland accounted for 65% of the state's violent crime reports. One factor that contributes to the prevalence of violent crimes in central Maryland is gang activity. Gangs often engage in drug trafficking and other illegal activities, which can lead to violent confrontations with rival gangs or law enforcement. In addition, domestic violence is also a major issue in central Maryland. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. This type of violence is often underreported, but it is a significant problem that police in central Maryland must address.
Drug-Related Crimes
As mentioned earlier, drug use and addiction can contribute to property crimes in central Maryland.However, drug-related crimes also include offenses such as drug possession, distribution, and manufacturing. In recent years, there has been a rise in opioid use and overdoses in central Maryland. This has led to an increase in drug-related crimes as individuals may turn to illegal means to obtain drugs or sell them for profit. In addition, the use of illegal drugs can also lead to other types of crimes, such as theft or assault. This is why law enforcement in central Maryland has been focusing on addressing the root causes of drug use and addiction in order to reduce drug-related crimes.
White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses that are typically committed for financial gain. These include fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft. In central Maryland, white-collar crimes are often committed by individuals in positions of trust, such as employees or executives of companies.These crimes can have a significant impact on victims, both financially and emotionally. One notable example of a white-collar crime in central Maryland is the Enron scandal. In 2001, Enron, a Houston-based energy company, was found to have committed accounting fraud, resulting in the loss of billions of dollars for investors and employees.
