Prying Open

POLICE LOG* North Laurel: 10000 block of U.S. 1: Burglars broke into three mobile homes for sale at Chesapeake Mobile Homes by prying open their doors Wednesday. Three refrigerators were taken,police said.

To the people who told Cynthia Jerry that she would never make it -- and there were many -- get a whiff of what's happening now.The steadfast, determined Ms. Jerry has managed to crack the highly competitive, big-name, major-bucks perfume business with a new fragrance line. It's called TIV. And Ms. Jerry convinced a major department store -- Hecht's -- to sell it.So now this African-American woman from Olney is right up there next to the big boys. TIV is prominently displayed next to the likes of Calvin Klein, Chanel and Estee Lauder at 10 stores in Maryland, Washington and Virginia.

POLICE LOG* Clarksville: 6000 block of Trotter Road: Someone entered a home by prying open a second-floor window Thursday or Friday, but police said nothing was taken.

POLICE LOG* Dorsey's Search: 5300 block of Columbia Road: Someone smashed the front window at an apartment community club house with a concrete block and took computer equipment Monday, police said.* Wilde Lake: 5200 block of Paul Revere Ride: Someone tried to enter a home by prying open its front door Friday, police said.

POLICE LOG* West Friendship: 13000 block of Forsythe Road: A home was entered through a rear kitchen window Tuesday, and police said coins were taken from the basement.3300 block of Danmark Drive: A burglar stole tools after prying open the front door of a construction trailer Saturday, police said.

POLICE LOG* Long Reach: 8800 block of Tamebird Court: Someone tried to enter a vacant condominium by prying open a living room window Tuesday, but police said nothing was taken.

HEFEI, China -- Whether it's growing too fast or just fast enough, China's booming economy is creating huge opportunities for Maryland businesses. The problem is how to take advantage of them.Last week's tour of three Chinese cities organized by the state of Maryland shows some of the problems and successes facing small- and medium-sized companies that try to invest in the world's fastest-growing economy.The tour also illustrated the value of government-sponsored trade delegations, which carry the clout that opens doors in China.

POLICE* Mount Airy: A resident of Main Street North reported to state police that someone broke into his house Monday by prying open a window and stole a microwave oven, a television, a chain saw and many other items. He estimated the value of the items stolen at $1,170.FIRE* Mount Airy: Mount Airy firefighters were dispatched to investigate the report of a fire on Ridge Road at 10:09 p.m. Tuesday. Units were out for 16 minutes.

POLICE* Harper's Choice: 5700 block of Harpers Farm Road: Electronic equipment and cash was taken from a residence between Friday and Sunday. Police said the thief unscrewed an outside light bulb before prying open a sliding glass door.