Teens Rob Woman In Cleveland Heights, Steal Her Car

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH - Two teenagers robbed a woman on Westminster Road on Wednesday afternoon. The suspects stole the woman's car, wallet and cell phone before leading police on a car chase.

The robbery happened a little before 4 p.m. The woman had pulled into the driveway of a friend's house when two teenagers approached her car. The teens knocked on her window and motioned for her to get out of the car.

One of the teens then demanded the woman's wallet, phone and car keys. The woman handed over the items and the two suspects got into her car and drove away. The woman was not hurt during the robbery, police said.

Police said the woman behaved exactly how they would recommend, minimizing danger to herself.

Cleveland Heights police found the car in East Cleveland, minutes after the robbery. When officers tried to stop the car, the men sped up and then crashed into a parked car on Glenmont Road, police said.

The suspects jumped out of the car and tried to run off, but officers caught them both. The suspects were a 15-year-old and 16-year-old, both from Cleveland. Both the suspects were taken into custody and then taken to the Juvenile Detention Home.

Cleveland Heights Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg said her department will increase patrols in areas experiencing this kind of crime. She said residents can expect "increased visibility" from officers. The department is also rolling out special details on days when crime is most likely to occur.

Mecklenburg asked residents to keep their eyes open in their neighborhoods. If something suspicious appears to be happening, residents should contact police immediately. She then pointed out a few instances of what she would consider "suspicious activity:"

• Persons loitering around your neighborhood, schools, parks or secluded areas
• A stranger entering your neighbor's house or garage or wandering around their yard
• The sound of breaking glass, loud noises, or screams
• Open windows or doors at a closed business or vacant house
• Someone looking into the windows or trying door handles on parked cars

"Keep in mind that not everyone who comes into your neighborhood is a criminal, but rather it is their behavior that may be suspicious and that is when you should call the police. Also, remember that people coming to your home to sell things are required to have a permit issued by the City so if you are concerned that they might not, it is always better to give us a call so we can check them out," Mecklenburg added.