Ask an Officer

Question: There have been a few burglaries in my neighborhood and I would like to know where to locate crime prevention information to help me keep my home safer?

Answer from Kate McLaughlin, Community Policing Unit: There are several things residents can do to help keep their homes and neighborhoods safer.  Contacting the Community Policing Unit at 216-289-8449 is a place to start.  Our unit offers crime prevention information, statistics on crime for your area, and a home security checklist. Community Policing will also help residents set up Neighborhood Block Watch.  Many of our resources are located on the Euclid Police Department page of the City of Euclid’s website.  Residents just need to click on Community Policing under the Police Menu.  

Residents can also find information on the Euclid Police Department Facebook page, which is being utilized to post information that impacts crime prevention, or can assist in the identification and apprehension of suspects.  Some Facebook posts include details of current arrests or fraudulent activities in the community, and upcoming events or programs. 

Residents are also encouraged to join Nextdoor.com, a social network that is restricted to your neighborhood and allows communication with each other, as well as nearby neighborhoods.  Euclid Police are able to post the weekly crime blotter and other crime prevention information, but the police department cannot monitor neighborhood posts. 

Other organizations that provide crime prevention information include The Ohio Crime Prevention Association which offers numerous resources, training, and membership to any interested person, and can be found at http://www.ocpa-oh.org/; and The National Crime Prevention Association which also offers resources and can be found at http://www.ncpc.org/topics. 

Here are some tips to get started in protecting your home.  Make sure all windows are closed and locked.  Make sure all doors are closed and locked, and invest in quality locks. Keep all small valuables such as jewelry and cash in a well-secured safe.  Trim all ground shrubs below window level, and trim all tree branches so that the lowest branches are above window level.  Install motion sensor lights on your house or garage, and put solar lights in your yard.

If you would like to submit a question to Ask an Officer, contact Community Policing at the Euclid Police Department:  email kmclaughlin@cityofeuclid.com or call 216-289-8449.

Kate McLaughlin

I am the Community Policing Specialist at the Euclid Police Department.

Read More on City
Volume 5, Issue 11, Posted 10:25 PM, 12.09.2014