Baltimore has been facing an unusual crime wave; a man has been charged with stealing several speed cameras across the city. 67-year-old Daniel Kerins is accused of stealing the cameras and damaging them maliciously. According to WMAR2 News, the chain of incidents began on July 18 with a speed camera on the Baltimore National Pike.
It is reported that Kerins was seen looking into the lens of a speed camera moments before the video feed cut out. Further evidence, as noted in charging documents, suggests that his white van, distinctive in appearance, was spotted leaving the scene. This pattern of thefts continued with incidents on Erdman Avenue and Patapsco Avenue, where Kerins allegedly used a saw to break open the cameras. During a later traffic stop on Edmondson Avenue, police identified Kerins by this same vehicle after he showed an invalid license, leading to his arrest.
In a report by WBALTV, Baltimore City police Det. Vernon Davis detailed the damage: "Starting in late July, we started to get an uptick of damaged speed cameras. Some had actually been vandalized, broken into and items, cameras and lights taken out of them." The thefts have not only resulted in loss of equipment but have raised concerns among residents for their safety.
Despite earlier reservations about the invasion of privacy, resident James Alexander acknowledges their importance, stating, as per WBALTV, "When they first came out like 20 years ago, I was against them. I thought it was like an invasion of my privacy. But now, I'm for them, because I understand and I realize the positive effect they have on the community." Descriptions of Kerins in workers' attire and details of his white van.
