Police Chief Names Identity Theft, Theft from Cars Some of 2011’s Biggest Issues

The ’s official report for 2011 won’t be out until later this year, but Chief Richard E. Mannarino said there were a few trends that stood out in his mind.

Here are a few of the crimes that Mannarino said he saw more of in 2011 and some ways to keep yourself protected:

• Mannarino said internet-based crime, identify theft and scams, especially scams aimed at senior citizens, were more common this year. The Ohio Attorney General’s website has a variety of different publications that offer advice on avoiding fraud, including one on identity theft and one on fraud specifically aimed at senior citizens.
• There has also been an increase in copper and scrap theft, like this , Mannarino said. It’s important to lock doors and leave lights on when leaving the house.
• There were also a few streaks of people stealing from cars, Mannarino said. The solution was a simple one—make sure car doors are locked. The cars that had seen thefts had been left unlocked. Here are some .

Above all, no matter the kind of crime, people should notify the police. They don’t need to be afraid to call and report a problem.

“It’s pretty standard, commonsense things that you should do,” Mannarino said.