Published: September 01, 2009 08:28 am      

Wild West

Crime continues to plague Virginia Avenue

Two serious incidents within 24 hours show that local authorities still are wrestling with chronic crime problems on Virginia Avenue.

The first occurred last Friday when seven people were arrested following a disturbance in the 200 block logged at 1:43 a.m. Police said as many as 40 people were involved, and Cumberland Police received the assistance of Maryland State Police and the Allegany County Bureau of Police.

The other came just before midnight the same day. Two 17-year-old boys were charged as adults after allegedly pulling knives on one another. Both of the youths sustained knife wounds in the face.

For too long, police have had to intervene in bar fights, disturbances and assaults up and down the avenue. At a recent meeting of business owners and residents, many said they are afraid to be on the avenue late at night.

Surveillance cameras have been installed in the area, but obviously they are not enough of a detriment to turn the situation around.

We encourage the Cumberland Police Department to increase its presence on Virginia Avenue and make it known that troublemakers will be quickly arrested.

The Allegany County Liquor Board has stepped up its enforcement of liquor law violations. We encourage the board to continue its hardline stance and revoke the licenses of businesses that have recurrent fights and disturbances.

Unless drastic action is taken by authorities, the avenue will continue to look like something out of the Wild West.