Confronted with a spate of petty crimes and vandalism, the leadership of the Arbutus Improvement Association have organized a meeting for Sept. 30 to discuss ways the community can address the problems.

The meeting will include members of the community, elected officials and police representatives from Precinct 1/Wilkens, according to AIA President Nikki Marlatt-Young.

The meeting is scheduled for 6-8 p.m. at Arbutus United Methodist Church at 2101 Maple Ave.

Marlatt-Young said the meeting will give residents an opportunity to voice issues that are of concern, including crime, vandalism and vagrancy in the Arbutus area.

The meeting may lead to the formation of a Citizens on Patrol group, a program organized by the Baltimore County Police Department to assist residents in patrolling their neighborhoods.