I had a family member attending that event and was there when the police officers arrived. It was very upsetting to see so many people have their afternoon ruined after a fun, family gathering in the church's Parish Hall. Another example of increasing crime in the area (maybe not in county-wide totals, but this is almost every day with new break-ins of all kinds announced) I've never left my purse in my vehicle and will not blame those who did, because a vehicle is private property as well as the purse, but it's a shame that criminals target people like this. Sometimes people shop at more than one store and have packages stored.

Stealing from vehicles in a Church parking lot ...wow that's pretty low.

I personally believe this is being done by a pretty sophisticated group of thieves. I had my purse hidden underneath my car seat to go into physical therapy at the Merritt Athletic Club in Towson a few weeks ago. I know that is stupid, so please spare me the comments. However, I actually thought it would be safer there since there is no place to lock valuables in the therapy area. The thieves broke my windshield and found it even though it was not in plain sight, which leaves me to believe they were watching for people not taking things into the gym. They have been using my license to cash other peoples' stolen checks, which they got by doing the same thing at other gyms in the region. I'll never leave anything in my car again, ever, and my stupidity caused me a lot of money and effort to fix. However, in talking to police in Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties about this and what these thieves did, they said that these guys are professionals at this and that this wasn't just some punk. So, be extra careful, look around to see if people are watching you, and never leave valuables in your car.

I meant to add that this is happening throughout the area, and I believe based on my recent experience that it is the same group and they know how to utilize what they steal quickly and in a damaging way for the victim.

It is the growing section 8 in the close by comunity that was once nice.

In this day and age, why does one need to be warned about not leaving valuables in their cars? Duh! Wake up people! This isn't Kansas. I would prefer this to be more like Texas where everyone is packing then, we could take matters into our own hands with thugs like these ripping folks off. As for the Section 8? Maybe we should just set a blazing fire to it during the middle of the night with no escapees!

Firsr the buslines,then the section 8,then the pawn shops,then the gun shops,then the check cashing places and all the while notice how polluted the curbs become and then we can become New Parkville.

How does Marie advocating murder get posted to this site?

To those that have to leave valuables in their cars for whatever reason, you may want to see if your car has a trunk lock disable. My 2002 car had it, so I'm only guessing newer cars do as well.

Sometimes there is a switch in the glove box that can be turned on to disable the trunk button on the door from working and the glove box can then be locked. Now I know if they really want in, they will do whatever, but sometimes that extra work will have them move on to easier targets.

Marie, that is a horrible comment. You're basically saying set the Section 8 community on fire with no escapees. That's beyond inappropriate, and I am horrified that anyone could say that. Additionally, why are people so quick to blame these people for crime - like it had to come from the people in the poor part of town? That's not appropriate either.

And, I'm assuming you've never done anything stupid like leave something valuable where others could get it. You must be perfect except for the HORRIBLE truth that you just sit at your computer and advocate death to those you consider undesirable.

DB - yes, side window.

When we lived in the city, our house was broken into while we were at church. I thought that was terrible, but it was the push I needed to get out. Thank God, and I do, it WAS while we were out at church and not while we were home.

I'm pretty sure the church thefts weren't by the boy scouts as part of a turf war...

Sounds like the work of Cossaboon and Hoffman.