The Silver Spring Penguin

Hookers, drugs and auto theft are still issues for South Silver Spring, but things are on the up and up, said Cmdr Betsy Davis (left). The top cop for police district 3 called the neighborhood “a success story.”

Speaking to the South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association Monday night, Davis acknowledged that auto theft was an ongoing problem, particularly at the Kennett Street garage.

“Crown Vics, Hondas and Toyotas — robberies are up countywide,” Davis (above) said. In one week, five Hondas and one Ford Crown Victoria were reported stolen in the third district, according to the most recent crime statistics.

Auto theft is particularly acute along the county’s border with Washington, and MoCo police officers have no authority on District soil, Davis said. Additionally, all of Eastern Avenue — the roadway and sidewalks on both sides of the street — fall under the jurisdiction of the District, Officer Kevin Sullivan said.

“We cannot go into DC unless it is a violent felony,” Davis explained. “If someone commits a burglary here and crosses into DC, we cannot pursue them.”

Criminal behavior at two area motels is also a concern for the neighborhood. Problems at the Travelodge and Days Inn motels on 13th Street have existed throughout Davis’ 22-year career with the county PD.

“Prostitution, drugs — the hotels bring in unfavorable and undesirable individuals. We don’t want to close the hotels. We want to work with them,” Davis said.

Daniel Owusu, regional manager for the two motels, said security guards conduct overnight patrols, and security cameras monitor the premises around the clock. Lighting has also been upgraded, he said.

Motel employees also record guests’ license-plate numbers, but some guests choose not to park in the motels’ lots, Owusu said.

“You cannot stop it, unfortunately,” Owusu said. “The only thing we can do is contact the police.”

Despite lingering crime, Davis felt that South Silver Spring area has come a long way to become a residential area. “I think you are in a safe neighborhood,” Davis said. “I would encourage people to come live here.”

“Silver Spring is not the Silver Spring of yesterday,” Davis added. “It is nice to see a success story.”

Photo by Ronald Pace for The Silver Spring Penguin.