Violent Crime Down 28 Percent In Cleveland Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — City officials and Police Chief Annette Mecklenburg announced that violent crime was down 28 percent in 2018, versus 2017. Cleveland Heights also saw a 50 percent drop in burglaries and breaking and entering cases.

"It’s a team effort within the department," Mecklenburg told Patch. "I work with a great group of men and women who are ready to do their jobs. Their effort in keeping this community safe is invaluable. I’m very proud of the officers in the department."

How have police managed to decrease crime rates in the city?

There hasn't been a change in the number of officers patrolling the streets, Mecklenburg said. Instead, patrols have been reassigned to areas of the city that experience spikes in criminal activity. For instance, she noted, the west end of the city saw increased police presence when there was a string of carjackings in the area.

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Mecklenburg said the number of arrests and successful convictions have also increased in Cleveland Heights. Police have also tried to increase their visibility around the city, with additional foot patrols in the business districts.

"We have a great relationship with our businesses. Our beat officers are very visible in those districts, we get information from business leaders and keep crime from the area," Mecklenburg said. She noted that 2018 was the first year in a long while the city had not had a bank robbery.

Another reason for the dropping crime rates is increased focus on community involvement. The police department launched a new Youth Academy in 2018 and continued the Citizens Police Academy. There have also been regular events where residents can meet officers, like Meet Your Police on Thursday nights, Coffee with the Cops, and Safety Night.

"The trust and the cooperation that we get from the public is key. The public can be instrumental in preventing crime. They can alert us when something is out of place or let us know about something that is suspicious," Mecklenburg noted.

Cleveland Heights Police maintain a tip line, available at 216-291-5010, where anyone can submit anonymous tips to police. Mecklenburg said tips from callers led to several successful arrests in 2018.