Burglaries Prompt Lakewood Police To Give Safety Tips

LAKEWOOD, OH — Burglars are entering Lakewood homes and apartments during the night, grabbing valuables and stealing residents' cars, the city said. The burglaries have hit both Lakewood and neighboring portions of Cleveland in recent weeks.

There are currently no suspects in the burglaries, Lakewood Police Captain Ed Hassing told Patch. The burglaries took place on Cove Avenue, Newman Avenue, Onondaga Avenue, and St. Charles Avenue, between mid-July and early August.

Police are offering a series of safety tips to help residents from being victimized. Most are common sense, but all of the advice could save someone's valuables.

First, always lock first floor windows. The burglars have been gaining access to homes through unlocked first floor windows, so making sure windows are locked before going to bed is a must.

Second, keep valuables out of sight, even inside the house. Items like purses, laptops, or cell phones should not be kept in sight of windows overnight.

Third, leave a few lights on when you go to bed. Police said residents should also consider leaving on perimeter lighting when they retire for the evening, to discourage burglars.

Fourth, if residents see something suspicious in their neighborhoods they should call Lakewood Police. "Should anyone observe unknown persons on their property or a neighbor’s property, please call the police department immediately at (216) 521-6773. And remember, the police would rather you call, have them check out a “strange” situation and have it be nothing, than for you not to call and have it be something," the department said in a post on the city's website.

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