On Wednesday, the Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce (GSSCC) and the Montgomery County Police Department launched the new Silver Spring Safety Alliance in an announcement on Ellsworth Drive.
Violent crime in the county is up by 7.2% for the beginning of the year compared to the same time last year, per county council documents. According to Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Earl Stoddard, the rise is almost entirely driven by carjackings. Increases in non-commercial burglaries and weapons offenses have also been recorded.
Initiatives include window clings for businesses, an email list to quickly share information, signage in the Silver Spring Central Business District and briefings with police. A lot of activity will start next week, according to GSSCC President and CEO Stephanie Helsing.
On Tuesday, the county council approved a bill requiring businesses staying open overnight to develop a safety plan.
