Crime & Safety

Woman Robbed at Knifepoint in Columbia Mall Parking Garage

It was the first robbery this year tied to holiday shopping, according to Howard County police, which has provided tips for keeping safe when shopping.

A woman was robbed at knifepoint Wednesday afternoon in a parking garage at , according to the Howard County Police Department.

The robbery happened at about 1:22 p.m. in a garage near the Lord & Taylor department store. A man approached the woman, displayed a knife and demanded her purse, according to police.

The woman complied, and the man fled on foot across Little Patuxent Parkway, police said.

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The man is described as tall, skinny and wearing a jacket and a black knit cap.

"This is the first robbery we've had this year tied to holiday shopping," said Elizabeth Schroen, spokeswoman for the Howard County Police Department. "We sometimes see increases in burglaries and thefts from vehicles during the holiday season, but robberies are less common.

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"Residents can help decrease opportunities for criminals during the gift-giving season by securing their property and making their own safety a priority," Schroen said. "The best strategies are to stay alert, carry a cell phone, park in well-lit areas, lock car doors and secure your home."

Howard County police have issued these safety tips for holiday shoppers:

  • "When shopping, travel with a group or in pairs, and schedule shopping trips during the day."
  • "Stay alert, especially when carrying packages or walking on a parking lot or in a garage."
  • "Avoid carrying too many packages, and leave one hand free to access keys or a phone quickly." 
  • "Park in a well-lighted parking space, and select an area where there are other cars and foot traffic." 
  • "Don't leave cell phones, purses or other valuables in a parked car – especially in plain view."
  • "When loading packages into the car, use the trunk instead of the back seat, or make an extra trip home in between shopping trips to unload packages."
  • "Beware of strangers approaching you unsolicited. If you feel uncomfortable, walk in another direction. It possible, walk back toward the store or toward another person."
  • "Shop only with reputable online retailers that offer secure transactions." 
  • "If you are expecting a delivery, ask a neighbor to bring the packages inside if you will not be home." 
  • "When the holidays are over, don't put boxes for electronics or valuables in plain view on recycling day. Collapse boxes, and put them in your recycling cart or bind them with rope or tape to prevent attracting a burglar."


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