Noted for its historic sites, seafood, and Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Maryland is a waterfront city with a rich culture. Still, persistent crime makes home security systems in Baltimore a necessity. While the number of violent crimes has decreased in recent years, levels are nearly four times those of the state. Property crime rates also remain relatively high in the city of some 565,000 residents.
With a total crime index (TCI) of one — with 100 being the safest — Baltimore is safer than 1% of U.S. cities, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which culls information from multiple credible sources. The following is how Baltimore’s crime picture compares to that of other cities of its size.
Violent Crime in Baltimore
The FBI defines violent crime as being one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault. The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Baltimore is one in 63 — one in 235 for Maryland. Of the 33,221 crimes reported in the municipality over a recent 12-month period, 8,935 were violent.
Such data led to collaborative efforts to tackle the Baltimore issue, despite an ongoing shortage of police officers. In 2024, the city’s mayor, police department, and the state’s attorney general came together on a Group Violence Reduction Strategy, a year-end mayoral interview indicated.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with 561,000 residents, is faring somewhat better with a TCI of four and a one in 68 chance of experiencing violent crime. Of 23,879 total crimes that were tallied, 8,202 were listed as violent.
Then there is Albuquerque, New Mexico, with more than 560,000 residents and a total crime index of one. The chances of being victimized by violent crime there are one in 76. Of 34,196 crimes reported over 12 months, 7,408 were in the violent category.
In Tucson, Arizona, a city with a population of about 547,000 and a TCI of six, 3,205 of 19,310 crimes were violent. There, you have a one in 171 chance of victimization. In Fresno, a California municipality with a crime index of five, your chances of falling victim to violent crime are one in 136. Of 21,169 total crimes, 4,007 were violent.
Another California city, Sacramento, is close in size to Baltimore with some 526,000 inhabitants. Like Fresno, it has a TCI of five and a relatively high chance of victimization by violent crime — one in 123. Over a 12-month period, some 4,275 of 21,090 crimes were reported as violent.
Property Crime in Baltimore
Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Baltimore, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 23. There were 24,286 property crimes logged over 12 months, including 2,521 burglaries.
Compare Baltimore’s data with that of Milwaukee, where you have a one in 36 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 27.93 per 1,000 residents. That city reported 15,677 property crimes over 12 months — 2,404 of them burglaries. As for Albuquerque’s property crime picture, you have a one in 21 chance of victimization. Of all crimes in Duke City, 26,788 were in the property category.
On the property crime front in Tucson, you have a one in 34 chance of being victimized. During the 12-month period, there were 16,105 property crimes in the city, for a rate of 29.43 per 1,000 residents.
In Fresno, meanwhile, there’s a one in 32 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 31.45 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 17,162 property crimes, 2,495 were residential burglaries. Similarly, there’s a one in 31 chance you’ll experience a property crime in Sacramento, for a rate of 31.94 per 1,000 residents. Of all crimes reported, 839,563 were burglaries.
Baltimore’s Police Department
The Baltimore Police Department, which dates back to 1784, is one of the nation’s oldest police forces. It operates across nine districts, covering about 80 square miles of land. These districts function like precincts, each covering specific areas and housing its own resources and personnel. Every district also has a Police & Community Relations Council, which includes local residents, businesses, and organizations.
The precincts are:
- Central
- Southeast
- Eastern
- Northeast
- Northern
- Northwest
- Western
- Southwest
- Southern
As of 2024, the department had 2,646 police officers, each of them assigned to one of the districts or a specialized unit.
How to Stay Safe
Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Baltimore area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.
With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.
In Summary
Compared to other cities with similar populations, Baltimore is dealing with high rates of violent and property crimes. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.
