Robbers target joggers

Whether it’s jogging, hiking, or playing a sport, it’s important to get outside everyday and exercise. Rural Harford County might not look like the sort of place where going jogging could be a dangerous activity; with cornfields on every horizon, but joggers everywhere need to be concerned.

        On August 13, at around 9:30 p.m. an 18 year-old jogger was held at gunpoint in West Towson, and her white IPod touch was stolen from her. This is just one of several incidents where unarmed, unsuspecting innocent joggers have been targeted for their expensive Smartphones.

   “I’m already concerned about the dangers of jogging. I don’t allow my daughters to go run with their phones, or after dark. It may be a quiet, relaxed area, but that does not make Harford County safe. Anything could happen,” said John Moretz.

   After being robbed, the young woman ran home and notified the police of the incident. While there are no official statistics on the relation of cell phones to thefts, but some cities report cell phones are involved in 50-60 percent of street robberies as they are valuable items for resale, according to wbaltv.com

   “We have seen an increase in the number of cell phone thefts that have been taking place as technology continues to improve,” said Eric Kowalczyk of the Baltimore Police Department, as reported by wbaltv.com

   Joggers who run or walk on the open road, especially  on roads that are small and windy or in areas that have high crime ratings should consider running on a well-lit community track, or even in the local gym. For extra protection, it is a good idea to carry mace, or to leave expensive devices at home.

   Benefits from jogging range from better sleep and preventing colds, to increasing the muscle and bone density of the legs, hips, and back, not to mention aiding in weight loss. In fact, Professor Mike Gleeson from Loughborough University found that gentle aerobics, such as jogging, helps to ward off colds and flu by up to 33% according to motleyhealth.com.

   Joggers should not be scared off by these new reports, however. While the risks can be high, in a secure environment jogging is safe for just about anyone.