The City of Takoma Park Police Department

10/24/2025

Weekly Crime Report for October 17-24, 2025: bit.ly/3J1seKx

10/23/2025

Takoma Park Police were on hand and ready to meet future law enforcement professionals at the Criminal Justice Career Day, connecting with college students from across Montgomery County.

10/23/2025

The Police Department will be holding a community meeting to discuss public safety issues in Ward 6. Police Department staff will be providing an update on recent incidents in Ward 6 and provide an overall overview of crime stats/trends and security measures put in place to address these trends.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 7 pm – 9 pm at the Takoma Park Recreation Center, 7315 New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland. The meeting will be in-person and a Zoom Webinar will also be available to join and ask questions.

To register for the meeting, the link is: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9xDFp_MYSRymaVcWnbn2JQ

If you have questions in advance of the meeting, please send them to Cathy Plevy at [email protected] with the title, “Ward 6 Public Safety Meeting.”

10/22/2025

Please note that last week’s crime summary was delayed as the preparer was out of town attending a work conference. Thank you for your understanding.

Weekly Crime Report for October 10-17, 2025: bit.ly/475oP6z

10/22/2025

Long Branch 5K, Sunday, Nov. 2

Registration for the Long Branch 5K is OPEN! Join us on Sunday, November 2 for a fun, fast run through scenic Long Branch.

🏁 Race Day: Saturday, November 2
💰 Price: $35

Whether you're running for a personal best, or just for fun, the Long Branch 5K is the perfect way to kick off your fall season.

👉 Register Now: https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/MD/SilverSpring/LongBranch5k

10/22/2025

There will be one pick-up only for attendees with mobility needs at 1:00 pm behind the Community Center (7500 Maple Avenue). This is a one-time transport to Takoma Park Middle School—there will not be a continuous shuttle service.

10/16/2025

Please take a few minutes to review the information below about home security and how to take steps to reinforce the security of your residence.

Quick Fact #1: The greatest crime of opportunity is burglary.

Quick Fact #2: More than 50% of burglaries committed do not involve forced entry.

Quick Fact #3: When a burglar forces entry, it is typically through a rear or side door or window, where he/she is less likely to be visible.

CRIME PREVENTION = The ability to recognize the risk of crime AND initiate action to reduce that risk. By doing so, you are taking steps to eliminate a criminal’s opportunity to commit a crime.

HOME SECURITY = The ways and habits of an individual to safeguard his/her home from burglars.

To be successful at crime prevention and home security, individuals should be proactive and seek out information, tips, and techniques on how to strengthen the security of their homes before it is too late.

The most cost-effective and successful way to safeguard your home is to follow good security habits. This includes:

1. Locking and securing your windows and doors, especially when no one is home;
2. Drawing your blinds so burglars cannot “window shop;"
3. Securing gates and fences, which is one more obstacle a burglar would have to consider when choosing a home to burglarize;
4. Trimming shrubs and bushes so your home is more visible to the street because burglars do not want to be seen; and
5. Utilizing and arming an alarm system if you have one installed - Audible alarms generally deter burglars from entering the residence.

Other ways to be pro-active in home security:

1. Participate in services offered by the police department (see below);
2. Notify the proper authorities of problem items in your neighborhood such as non-functioning street lamps, trees/shrubs that need trimming, homes that look in disarray, graffiti, etc.; and
3. Get to know your neighbors - They are more likely to call in suspicious activity to your home if they know you and your daily routine/schedule.

FREE services offered by the Takoma Park Police Department:

1. Residential Security Surveys: An assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of security measures of a residence (fences, doors, lighting, etc.). An officer will go to your house, assess the security of the home, and provide cost-effective solutions for observed weaknesses: https://www.takomaparkmd.gov/359/Residential-Home-Security-Survey

2. House Checks: Service provided for those who will have their home unoccupied for an extended period of time (vacation, renovations, etc.). Your residence will be visited two times a day by a patrol officer, who makes sure your home is still secure. You will be notified immediately of any discrepancies: https://www.takomaparkmd.gov/1611/Vacant-Property-Registration

Crime will never be completely eliminated and anyone can fall victim to crime, but the chance and risk of falling victim to a crime such as burglary can be greatly reduced by being aware of what is going on in your neighborhood, understanding the importance of home security, and making it a habit to follow daily security routines to safeguard you and your home.

The City of Takoma Park requires the registration of all vacant residential, commercial, multi-family, industrial and institutional properties and structures located within the city, to discourage their abandonment and neglect.

10/16/2025

Before the really cold weather arrives you should use this time to do some fall maintenance to ensure your home is ready for the winter. This can not only help you save money by making your home more efficient, but it could also prevent significant and costly damage if a problem goes unnoticed through winter.

Outside Jobs

1. Clean the gutters.

Your gutters are important part in keeping your home in good working order. Did you know that clogged gutters can lead to everything from roof damage to a flooded basement? The gutters should be collecting the water from your roof and safely diverting it down and away from the house. Clogged gutters mean the water will not flow away from the house and will fall right next to your foundation. Heavy rains could then lead to water entering your basement. Even worse, this could pose a significant problem in freezing weather when the water freezes and you end up with heavy ice dams on your roof. The weight and leaking water can also cause significant roof damage.

Cleaning your gutters is as easy as getting a ladder and going up and pulling out all of the junk that has collected in there. A pair of gloves makes this job a little more enjoyable. If you live in an area surrounded by trees you may have significant buildup in the fall as the leaves drop, so you might want to do this chore a few times. And don’t neglect the downspouts. These can also get clogged and they are vital in moving the water away from the house. If you can’t see if they are clogged you can take a small bucket of water up and dump it down the spout and see how fast the water flows out at the bottom. If it doesn’t rush right out there might be some blockage. You can try using a long pole or pipe of some sort to dislodge what’s in there. If you can’t reach it you might want to opt for replacing the downspout. The materials are fairly inexpensive and it’s usually a simple job.

2. Repair driveway and sidewalk cracks.

If you live in an area that experiences temperatures below freezing, then you should look to repair cracks in your cement before the cold sets in. When water gets into these cracks and freezes it expands. This expanding ice can not only make the existing crack worse, but it can create even more cracks and even lift portions of the cement up and make it uneven. You can find various sealers to apply to the cracks at your local hardware store and it’s relatively cheap and easy to apply. Replacing concrete can be costly, so if you can prevent damage and make it last as long as possible you’ll save money in the long run.

3. Inspect your chimney.

If you have a wood stove or fireplace it’s important you inspect and clean your chimney before using it. A clogged or dirty chimney or flue can be extremely dangerous and it could result in dangerous gasses filling up your house to starting a fire. If this is a job you’re not equipped to do on your own it’s well worth the money to pay a professional. Your life and home is far too valuable to skip this annual task.

4. Remove hoses and clutter from your yard.

As the cold weather settles in you’re probably going to be spending less time outside so it’s a good time to start picking up around the yard. If you have hoses, make sure they are drained and properly stored. If left attached and full of water they can freeze and burst, thus requiring you to buy a new hose next spring. You’ll also want to take some time and go around the yard and clean up the fallen debris, but also take some time to retrieve any tools that may have been left behind. Especially if you have kids, you don’t want to let them go play out in the snow only to have them accidentally stumble onto a misplaced rake or other item left hidden under the snow.

Inside Jobs

1. Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Since the weather will be colder that means you’ll be spending more time with all of the windows closed and possibly even running the heat. That means there is a chance of carbon monoxide buildup. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer so don’t take a chance. A basic detector can be had for as little as $20 and it could save your life. And don’t forget to check the batteries in your smoke alarms. Again, batteries are cheap and it’s a small price to pay when it comes to protecting your family.

2. Clean out the dryer vent.

Did you know that the U.S. Fire Administration estimates that dirty dryer vents are responsible for at least 15,600 home fires each year? Since you’re already checking other areas of your house for fire prevention it’s a good idea to add the dryer vent to your list. Make sure it is free of lint buildup and there are no other obstructions. It is also a good time to make sure your vent is properly sealed where it exits the house. Large gaps around the vent can be a significant area of heat loss.

3. Check and replace furnace filters.

Before firing up the furnace for the first time of the season you should check the filter. Dirty filters are inefficient since air flows less freely. This results in your furnace running longer and using more energy just to keep the house up to the right temperature. You’ll usually have to replace the filters at least twice a year so if you can, see if you can buy filters in bulk or in a multi-pack. This way you’ll not only save money, but you’ll have the filters on hand so that you’re more likely to change them again when they get dirty.

4. Inspect and/or flush the hot water heater.

As time goes by, sediment collects in your hot water heater. This sediment forces your water heater to work even harder and could possibly even lead to leaks. If you’ve never drained your heater and have been using it for years you’re way overdue. Generally, it’s as simple as hooking a hose up to the bottom valve and opening it and the water is drained away along with most of the sediment. In addition to eliminating the sediment you might want to consider additional insulation if your water heater is in an unfinished part of the house like a cold basement. They make special insulation to wrap around your heater and you should also insulate the pipes that are attached to the heater to minimize heat loss.

5. Check the remainder of the house for energy leaks.

When was the last time you looked up in your attic? You might want to take a peak up there and see what type of insulation you have. Losing heat through the roof of your house is the number one source of heat loss so having inadequate insulation up there can be costly. Check the R-value and see if that is sufficient for your needs. You can actually look up R-values and see how effective each is for certain climates and usage at energy.gov.

It’s also a good idea to inspect all of your doors and windows for possible leaks. Over time the weather-stripping can wear down and create gaps that are a prime source of heat loss and drafts. Usually a leak can be fixed with just a new piece of stripping or some caulk so it’s an easy and cheap fix that could save a lot of money on your heating bill.

6. Consider a programmable thermostat.

If you’re like most households and aren’t at home all day every day it can make sense to install a programmable thermostat. This allows you to specify the times and temperatures to keep your house at. For example, if nobody is home between 8am and 6pm there’s no need to keep the whole house at 70 degrees. With a programmable thermostat you can tell it to keep the heat off or at least at a much lower temp during those hours and then automatically kick back up right before you get home in the evening. Since your furnace will be running much less with this setup it will pay for the cost of the thermostat in no time.

10/16/2025

Deer activity increases in fall; it's their time for mating/migrating. Watch for darting deer, especially driving at night.

What to do if you strike a deer: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/police/Deer.JPG

10/16/2025

REMINDER:

We plunge on January 30th! We have once again teamed up with the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department to create one team. Here's how you can support us at the Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Maryland Special Olympics! Link: support.somd.org/team/777427

10/16/2025

Ride On and Metro detours are updated here:

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-Transit/rideondelays.html

https://www.wmata.com/service/status/

For information about the Monster Bash on October 25, please visit our website: https://www.takomaparkmd.gov/370/Monster-Bash

10/16/2025

As Pat Rumbaugh from Let’s Play America always says, “You’re never too old to play!” The LT and PIO put that to the test today with a little swing time at the park — proving that laughter, sunshine, and playtime aren’t just for kids. 😄☀️ It’s good for the soul and your mental health! Pat Rumbaugh