- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Police
- Community Engagement
- Crime Prevention & Other Resources
Crime Prevention & Other Resources
There are many simple steps resident can take that will deter crime in our homes and neighborhoods. View some of our recommendations below. Got a tip? Use our confidential tip form to let us know.
Do not leave bikes unattended, and make sure to lock your bike, even if you are just going to be away for a moment. Please make sure your bike has a license and that you are wearing your helmet when riding around the city. Call 216-491-1220 for licensing dates.
- Lock your vehicle, even when garaged, and remove all personal property from view. Valuable items such as CDs, cell phones, laptops, GPS devices, purses and other valuable items should be placed in the trunk area if possible, or taken with you.
- Do not park in secluded or dark areas of a parking lot.
- Never leave your vehicle running while you go inside your home or into a store, even if for only a minute or two.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and those around you when walking, jogging, or bicycling.
- Hold onto your money. Carry your purse tightly under your arm or your wallet/money in your front pants' pocket.
- Turn on lights and a radio or TV when you leave home so it looks like someone is home.
- Install lighting on the exterior of your home such as "motion" lights or "dusk to dawn" lights, especially in dark areas and entrances.
- Trim shrubbery around your home so as not to provide someone a place to hide.
- Make sure your address is clearly visible from the street for emergency/identification purposes.
- Close and lock your garage door when not outside; place property in a location that is not visible from the street when the garage door is open.
- Check door locks to be sure they are sturdy and functioning properly as well as window locks. Doors and windows should have a secondary lock and should be used when leaving, even if for just a few minutes.
- Get an automatic timer for your lights.
- Ask a neighbor to watch your home and pick up mail or newspapers; or stop delivery of mail and newspapers.
- Notify the Police Department if you are planning to be away for an extended period of time such as a vacation by completing a Home Watch form or calling 216-491-1220.
Other Resources
The Ohio Crime Victims Rights Toolkit is a self-help resource for Ohio and federal crime victims. It was created by the Ohio Crime Victim Justice Center and includes nearly everything victims need to know about their rights, from the time of first report to a hospital or police through the investigation, prosecution, and post-release control (the period after which a perpetrator is released from prison).