Car break-ins have increased in Baltimore City. This is pretty obvious to most of us who live or work in the city, as we often have to sidestep the shattered glass on the sidewalk.

Nearly every city-dwelling car owner I know has a story to tell about this. These aren’t people who left their iPods, GPS systems, or wallets on the passenger seat, however. None of them had anything of value stolen. Typically burnt CDs and in one case, just lip balm. Last weekend, I saw an older couple leave Tio Pepe around 7:30 on Saturday evening, only to find their car window smashed out. The thieves aren’t even waiting for the sun to set anymore.

I have to question the math, though.

In another case of decimal negligence, in the Examiner’s story posted today at 9:20 a.m., they state:

Thefts from automobiles have increased by almost 3,000 cases this year, from 1,262 last year to 1,542 this year.

I’m hoping for an increase of only 300 cases, although sadly, even 15,420 car break-ins per year doesn’t sound unreasonable for this city. Also Examiner, which year? Are we comparing all of 2007 to the first quarter of 2008? If so, that’s a ridiculous increase worthy of more attention. Some clarity would be appreciated.

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