HaRav Moshe Heinemann, shlita, Rav of Agudath Israel-Park Heights: “If your burglar alarm goes off on Shabbos, you are allowed to turn it off with a shinui--for example, your elbow or knuckles. If the alarm company will call you first, before the police would come, you have to tell them it was a mistake, so you are allowed to knock off the phone with a shinui to tell them it is a false alarm. If Yidden would not answer the phone when they call up, the police will not come anymore on Shabbos because they will come and if it’s a false alarm, they will say: If it’s a Yiddishe home, they are not going to come. It is a question of pekuach nefashos. If you see something that is merely suspicious, you should not call 911 or Shomrim on Shabbos, however,  if there is a break-in, in your own home or someone else’s house, after you see it, you are allowed to call them on Shabbos, because it could be pekuach nefashos, dangerous.”

We confirmed the basics of this with Rav Heinemann before republishing this here. This psak makes it much more likely that house alarms will be used on Shabbos, greatly enhancing our home safety!

http://www.baltimorejewishlife.com/news/news-detail.php?SECTION_ID=1&ARTICLE_ID=69191

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The GOOD news: the "kick and burgle" team continue to be off the streets. We thank the police!!! More (and not necessarily as encouraging) news is below. 

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From the police:

The Pikesville Precinct has recently received several community comments related to Baltimore City¹s 911 center answering 911 calls made from within Baltimore County. The issue occurs when an individual is in very close proximity to the City line, and calls 911 from a cell phone. The cell system will, on occasion, forward that call to the City¹s 911 center, which can delay the response of Baltimore County Officers. If an individual experiences such a scenario, they may call Baltimore County¹s Communication¹s Center directly at 410-887-2222. This line is manned 24/7, is answered by a 911 call taker, and cannot be inadvertently sent to the City.

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Video of a recent crime can be seen at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHtC5fgcYBw&feature=youtu.be

The two teenagers shown claimed they had a gun. The assailants demanded the man hand over his phone and wallet. The man was shaken and dropped his phone in his car after which the teenagers proceeded to search it out. They accidentally hit the horn while searching and got scared and ran off. Thankfully, the man was not injured and nothing was stolen.

Please be cautious and report anything suspicious. First call 911 then Shomrim at 410.358.9999!!!

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Night of 19 January, an attempt was made to break in to a business at 5900 Park Heights(corner of Menlo). They tried to push through the a/c panel but, according to the owner, were unsuccessful in getting in. police were called.

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Stolen vehicle report: Dark blue 2001 Chrysler town and country minivan stolen from Milford Mill Subway station sometime between 8am and 5:30pm some days ago.  Maryland tags 43698M9. White paint on back right door. Police were called.  If you see it, call 911 and Shomrim!

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We DID hear the below report, and it seems possible, considering that Amazon does not usually require signatures with delivery. It is even possible that the young men ARE legitimate delivery men, moonlighting as thieves.

Two black males knocking on Pickwick apt doors wearing amazon baseball caps, orange reflector vests and coming out of an enterprise van. They're asking you to sign for your package. In general, amazon doesn't require signature. Please be cautious and don't open your doors for anyone.

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More "knock and check" events ongoing. Another report:

A few minutes ago, a black male and a black female knocked on a door in Pickwick on Jeremy ct. they said they were looking for a previous person, they came in a black Mazda 3,  tag number 9bc2725.

If someone whom you do not know unexpectedly knocks at your door, do not hesitate to call 911 and Shomrim! Knocking is the way would-be burglars figure out if the home is unoccupied and/or an easy mark.

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Tags continue to be stolen from cars. We presume that they are put on other cars for deception during crime.

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Cars parked at 3500 Strathmore were burgled during the day.