PHIA LIVE BLOG: Perry Hall Outreach Officer Shares Community Safety Tips

8:07 p.m.—I just brought up the Huckster Law in Baltimore County. In my experience covering Lutherville-Timonium Patch, it is illegal to knock on someone's door after 5 p.m. or after nightfall, which ever comes first.

Read more about Huckster Laws  here.

The meeting has concluded, be sure to check the Patch newsletter for a full recap.

8:03 p.m.—PHIA President Dennis Robinson just asked a question about the burglars impersonating police officers.

"It's the first time that has happened in many years, although it's not totally uncommon," Balog said.

He mentioned that police are aware of certain individuals in the county who driver Crown Victoria (police-style vehicles) who have flirted with the line of impersonating officers.

8:03 p.m.—"Give us an idea of where that person is going," Sewell added.

8:02 p.m.—You can reach Sewell by email at RSewell@BaltimoreCountyMd.gov.

A community member just asked what to do if there is someone persistent banging at your door. Short answer: Call 911.

Long answer: If the suspicious individual leaves your home get a decent description: facial hair, hair style, car type, license plate, etc.

8 p.m.—LOCK YOUR DOORS. "Nine times out of 10, if something of yours is stolen out of your car, it's because of an unlocked door," Sewell said.

7:57 p.m.—Locks, windows and shrubs—Homeowners should hide keys effectively, not just on the door frame, Sewell said. You should also look into reinforcing your windows with more than just a "jimmy lock."

Also, keep the shrubs in front of your house low in the spring and summer time, Sewell says, to prevent nefarious types from hiding behind them. Keeping the plants low also helps police see if anyone is rummaging around in your home.

7:52 p.m.—The best thing to do if these individuals come to your door i..

1. Do not let them inside.
2. Ask for ID through the glass.
3. Check the ID number with the company that they represent. 

On background: Baltimore County Huckster Law stipulates that any solicitor who comes to your door must have a Huckster License issued from the county. They also cannot come-a-knocking after 5 p.m. or nightfall, which ever comes first.

7:50 p.m.—Sewell warned of potential scam artists that bloom in the springtime. He noted that these deceptive burglars work in pairs, often offering home and garden services. One community member just said she had two individuals fitting that description knock on her door in the last two weeks.

"If you didn't order it. You don't need to have it done," Sewell said. "If you don't see an ID, don't let them in."

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The purpose of the Community Outreach Officer is to facilitate communication between communities, particularly safety concerns and officer at the precinct.

7:47 p.m.—Ofc. Dale Sewell just introduced himself the Community Outreach Officer in this area. "Community outreach wears a lot of different hats ... you could be working a burglary detail, a robbery detail ... or you could be out their just talking to the community."

If you have questions you can text them to 443-621-2174 or post a comment below.

7:41 p.m.—Captain Michael Balog shareda few "trendish" crimes in the area, specifically, theft from autos at Honeygo Run Park. The Captain said officers are investigating a purse snatching near Weis and the home invasion in Kingsville.

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The Perry Hall Improvement Association is underway. Sorry for the delay, folks. I, Nick DiMarco, had to introduce myself at the beginning of the meeting.