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Canton Businesses Stepping Up Security After Recent String Of Burglaries

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A string of burglaries and violent robberies have a popular downtown neighborhood fighting back. Business leaders in the Canton neighborhood are considering hiring added security to keep residents and visitors safe.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the rash of crimes.

In just 28 days, burglars have tried to break into eight businesses in Canton. Now the business community is stepping up security.

Caught on camera. A burglar breaks through the side glass door of Portside Tavern in Canton. He spends 17 seconds trying to break into the cash registers, then takes off empty-handed.

"You can't see their faces. They know that they're on camera," said Pat Weaver, President of the O'Donnell Square Business Association.

The tavern was one of eight attempted burglaries in just 28 days in the upscale community.

Set on the Inner Harbor, Canton is home to many young professionals and families and a hot spot for happy hour.

"These are rogue people that come in the neighborhood and think that this is a good place to hit," said Greg Marsh with the Canton Community Association.

Earlier this week, a man was violently carjacked--beaten over the head with a brick. It's a crime that has neighbors on edge.

"Canton is still one of the safest areas in Baltimore City," Weaver said.

And community leaders want to keep it that way.

Now the business association is looking to hire off-duty police officers to patrol the entire community for extra security.

"We want to look into not just walking, you know, we want them to be in cars and circulating," said Weaver.

The Fork and Wrench was broken into the same day as Portside Tavern. The owner there says extra security wouldn't hurt.

"If it makes people feel better, that's the most important part about coming down here and knowing that there's something to protect them," Jack Gillies said.

Extra eyes that could prevent crimes from happening.

Owners of those burglarized businesses say most of their customers pay by credit or debit. That's why those burglars breaking in really aren't getting away with any cash.

The carjacking victim had to be taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Police still have not found his car.

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