A Mount Washington couple sent a letter to Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke recently, complaining about crime in their neighborhood.

"The increase in crime is not something we take lightly," they wrote. "A month ago, an elderly woman across the street was tied up and her home ransacked on a Friday afternoon in broad daylight. Several weeks ago, another neighbor was burglarized on a pleasant Sunday afternoon."

The complaint elicited a letter under the mayor's signature. "I have asked Police Commissioner Edward V. Woods to review your letter with the District Commander of the Southern District," the mayor wrote.

Someone, quick, buy city maps for the mayor and the Police Department. Mount Washington is in the Northern District.

No wonder crime is going up.