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Oct 31, 2024

Grant provides some Northeast Baltimore homes with Ring camera

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Hundreds of rowhomes in Northeast Baltimore are now outfitted with free Ring doorbell cameras. It's part of a sweeping security

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Hundreds of rowhomes in Northeast Baltimore are now outfitted with free Ring doorbell cameras.

It's part of a sweeping security initiative that wrapped up in the Coldstream Homestead Montebello neighborhood Tuesday.

The effort began one year ago when community leaders applied for a state grant to enhance security. Since then, a $100,000 grant has helped fund the installation of 270 Ring doorbell cameras across the area.

"This is 100%, obviously, a great resource to bring about where folks are bringing tax dollars back into their neighborhoods when we think about public safety. People move into neighborhoods and stay in neighborhoods because they feel safe," State Senator Cory McCray, D-District 45, said.

McCray, a journeyman electrician by trade, installed the last doorbell himself. The doorbells went out for free to anyone interested, and the video each camera captures is theirs to choose whether it is shared.

"Even though it cost more because we had to hard-wire install, it means that they stay with the houses. It means that they're actually going to do the job that we look forward for them to do. And I know that we've already caught some people on camera that were doing things that were not supposed to be done at homes," said Coldstream Homestead Montebello Community Association board member Maraizu Onyenaka.

A local electrician who runs Mustang Electric took on the massive job. He's been showing people like Leonard Whichard, who's lived in his rowhome for nearly five decades, how to effectively use the new technology.

"When I go out, I can have the app on my phone. I can see what's going on," community member Leonard Whichard said.

The community hopes this step will prevent illegal activity and lead to better outcomes when crime does strike.

Another grant is in the works to install lights and security cameras where illegal dumping is happening across the area.

While the application for a Ring camera has already closed, more information can be found at the link.