Baltimore State's Attorney's Office Holds 5K Run/Walk For Crime Victims
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- From home break-ins to purse snatchings, some city crime victims don't have the money to replace their lost property. More than a decade ago the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office decided to do something about that.
Ron Matz reports that's why hundreds of Baltimoreans will lace up their running shoes on Saturday.
People will be running and walking to help others on Saturday, using their feet to raise money to help the victims of crime in Baltimore City.
"This is 'National Crime Victims Week.' The victims of crime are often the neglected participants in the criminal justice system. Sometimes we forget about them. 'National Crime Victims Week' is all about recognizing them," said Gregg Bernstein, Baltimore State's Attorney.
Bernstein says some crimes tear at the fabric of Baltimore's neighborhoods.
"The fund is for smaller items but very important ones. For example, the elderly woman who gets knocked down and has her purse snatched and has her prescription taken or has her glasses broken or the person who's the victim of a burglary at their house and their windows get broken. This may sound like an insignificant thing to us but for most people that's very important and a lot of people don't have the money to pay for these kinds of things and that's what this fund is designed to do," said Bernstein.
Hundreds are expected to make sure the victims of crime are not forgotten.
"The run is at Patterson Park. It's a 5K run and a 1K walk and it begins at 9 o'clock. We encourage people to come out. We also need volunteers. The run and the walk are all within the confines of the park. It's a great way to spend the morning," said Bernstein.
This is the 11th year for the Victims' Fund Run. The new state's attorney is pledging to continue the tradition.
There's a $25 entry fee. The first 400 registrants will receive a T-shirt and there will be cash awards for the top three male and female finishers of the 5K.
