An east Baltimore health clinic was broken into for the third time in a week and a half.
The Baltimore City Health Department said its Eastern Health Clinic, located at 620 N. Caroline Street, was targeted Tuesday night.
"It's ridiculous that you break into any place trying to help people," said Anthony Sims, a clinic patient.
Police said medications were stolen along with three televisions and bus tokens. The total amount in stolen items and damages exceeds $4,600, according to police incident reports. Fifteen glass doors were shattered, metal cabinets, wood door frames, and windows were also on the list of damaged property. The clinic does not keep any controlled substances at their location.
There’s also no indication that patient files or health information were compromised in the break-in, according to city health officials.
Earlier this month, thieves made off with televisions from the patient waiting room, laptops and bus tokens provided to low-income patients. Police received reports of the three burglaries on July 11, 18, and 20.
“I believe in two of the incidents they came through the window. I'm not sure how they entered the third time,” said Baltimore Police Detective Jeremy Silbert.
According to one of the incident reports, the culprit or culprits climbed a tree to gain entry into a second floor window.
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Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said the incident has prompted an increase in security and police presence, as well as “improved security procedures.”
"It saddens and disappoints me that our Eastern Health Clinic has fallen victim to this unprecedented pattern of criminal acts which have disrupted our ability to provide essential health services to Baltimore residents,” Dr. Wen said. "These events are not only disheartening, but traumatic for our staff and patients alike; however my resolve and that of our entire staff remains devoted to serving the ongoing needs of our community.”
The first break-in closed the clinic for a day. Other than that, they've remained open, working to provide care to those who have come to rely on it.
“I just came from out of there and they are helping people. They are doing their thing, the workers in there are nice, they're very courteous, and you know, it didn't really stop anything,” said Kevin White, a clinic patient.
“It doesn't make sense, it doesn't make any sense, because they're here to help us,” Sims said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Baltimore Police Department.
