A bank in Odenton was robbed Wednesday morning, adding to the steadily growing trend of robberies in Anne Arundel County.
The county police are reporting a 14 percent rise in armed and strong-armed robberies, from 194 in April 2006 to 221 this year. Those figures include both commercial and residential robberies.
The county police department “is experiencing a national and regional trend in the increase in robberies. It is an issue the department is focusing on within every district,” spokesman Sgt. David Feerar said.
He could not give another reason behind the trend.
The most recent incident took place at the 1st Mariner Bank in the 1600 block of Annapolis Road. A man walked into the bank, waving a black handgun and commanding everyone to drop to the floor.
He demanded money, and an undisclosed amount was given to him, according to police reports.
Police said the robber fled toward Blue Water Boulevard, but they could not locate him.
To combat robberies, police have deployed robbery-suppression units throughout Anne Arundel, targeting areas where multiple robberies have occurred.
One such unit arrested a 22-year-old Glen Burnie man Sunday when it discovered a group loitering on Pamela Road. The man tried to hide a handgun when police arrived.
“When we apprehend these person or persons, we often are able to close multiple robberies,” Feerar said.
Because it is a relatively new effort, the unit?s effectiveness is unknown.
News of the robbery spike has some local merchants considering adding security.
“Knowing this, I?m considering putting together a program for chamber members on how to be prepared and how to protect their property,” said Claire Louder, executive director of the Anne Arundel West County Chamber of Commerce.
POLICE NEED YOUR HELP
Anyone with information on a robbery should call 410-222-8610.
