Crime Takes a Dip in Strongsville

Burglaries, break-ins and thefts from vehicles all decreased in 2012, according to the Strongsville Police Department's annual report.

The report also shows a drop in auto theft and vandalism.

Why? Difficult to say, according to Police Chief James Kobak, but an active patrol seems to make a difference.

Kobak said he believes having police officers visible in the neighborhoods -- patrolling and enforcing traffic laws -- has an effect on crime in a community.

"If somebody is thinking about committing a crime and they see a police officer in the neighborhood, I think that acts as a big deterrent," Kobak said.

The report says there were 94 burglaries in 2012, down from 107 in 2011. Breaking-and-entering incidents dropped from 44 in 2011 to 25 last year; and only 19 vehicles were stolen from Strongsville last year, compared to 33 in 2011 and 31 in 2010.

The number of thefts from cars dropped significantly to 154, from 208 the previous year.

"I think interacting in the neighborhoods also has an effect -- educating the residents about how to protect their cars and their property," Kobak said.

He said Strongsville officers attend neighborhood meetings to talk about precautions like locking car doors, making sure garage doors are closed and installing lighting.

Thefts from yards dipped a little (65, compared to 69 in 2011 and 86 the year before), as did residential property damage (270; was 278) and other vandalism (182, down from 196). 

Fraud incidents held pretty steady last year (259 reports; 266 the year before).

Crimes that went up last year include shoplifting (542 last year, up from 512 and 440 the previous two years) and weapons offenses. There were 77 weapon-related incidents in 2012 and 30 in 2011.

The full report is posted on Strongsville's website. 

Kobak said the department was pleased to see crime on the downturn.

"I'm hoping that trend's going to continue," he said.