[dmz]

The street gangs rule the whole city, now.

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Oh please. Stay out of the open air drug markets on the east side around Hopkins and on the west side west of MLK blvd, and use your common sense (avoid post 2am solo walks).

Almost all of the murders and most of the petty street crime is centered around the drug trade in those 2 locations.

[jboot]

I've experienced or witnessed "incidents" at the Science Center, Harborplace, Little Italy, the Holocaust Memorial and City Hall. The only place that seemed clean, safe and in order recently was near the B&O railroad museum and around the stadiums.

The Baltimore DA talked me out of pressing charges in the Science Center event. She was visibly upset that I had showed up for the hearing. I guess most (white, out-of-town) plaintiffs don't. She took me aside and admonished me that I'd be messing up a fine young man's life over nothing. It showed me where the city's priorities lie.

When you are used to no crime/blight, you really tend to notice it. And stay away from it.