Burglars Strike Units in Apartment Complex Ravaged by Fire

Burglars this week have hit at least 11 apartments vacated by residents while repairs are made at The Apartments at 7 Oaks in Odenton, the scene of a massive blaze on March 7, police said.

The multi-unit fire in the 2100 block of Peaceful Way, Odenton, damaged or destroyed several apartments at this location. As a result, inspectors declared the building unsafe for residents to live in, and apartment managers secured the remaining units with locks.

The management company and several residents discovered 11 burglaries have occurred at this complex between 6 p.m. March 12 and 10 a.m. March 13. Anne Arundel Police officers and residents are in the process of determining what was taken during these burglaries.

One resident had numerous firearms stolen, police said.

A private security company hired to provide a 24-hour fire watch and security at the site immediately after the fire had a security guard on the scene when officers arrived on the burglary calls.

The Anne Arundel County Police has increased patrols in the area and is conducting a thorough investigation. There are no suspects at this time. Anyone with information relating to these burglaries is asked to call Western District Detectives at 410-222-6155 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP or text “MCS plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

Two other multiple-alarm fires occurred at the same complex in the fall of 2012.

On Sept. 30, an apartment complex in the 2000 block of Military Place, just off Blue Water Boulevard escalated to two alarms. More than 60 firefighters were on the scene, along with 25 pieces of equipment from as far away as Kent Island.

Then, on Nov. 7, a fire tore through the same apartment building, affecting about 12 units. Authorities at the time said there was no connection between the fires.

See also:  

·       Fire Tears Through Apartment Complex in Seven Oaks

·       Video of the Fire: (Courtesy Nathan Potter, via Facebook)

·       Seven Oaks Fire Causes $750,000 in Damage