The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
CRIME ALERT!
Westlake Police are currently investigating a series of residential burglaries in the city. All homes have been unoccupied when entered. 5 have occurred since 1/22/21 and most have happened in the west end of the city. Streets include Lexington Ct, Prince Charles, Inverness Cir, Forest Lake Dr and Royal Woods Pl.
The break-ins have occurred in the earlier evening hours after it gets dark. It appears the times have been between 7PM and 11PM when many people are still up. The suspects appear to be walking through backyards and have been seen with flashlights.
We are still trying to develop better descriptions of suspects or an involved vehicle. We currently do not have anyone in custody for these crimes. If you have further information or see suspicious persons or vehicles in your neighborhood we ask that you call dispatch when it is happening. Our non-emergency phone is 440-871-3311. This string of burglaries is not isolated to Westlake. Our investigators have been in contact with surrounding cities who are experiencing the same issues.
VEHICLES ENTERED
Between the early morning hours of 1/27/21 and 1/28/21, there was a rash of vehicles entered during the overnight hours. Between approx. 1AM and 6AM both nights, numerous unlocked vehicles were entered in residents’ driveways and open garages. Although there was very little reported as stolen from inside the cars, several residents did say that the contents inside were thrown about. Unfortunately, the criminals did find 2 vehicles that had the keys inside. Both were stolen. A Ford F150 was taken from a driveway on Schwarz Rd on 1/27. A BMW SUV was taken from a drive on Weybridge Dr on 1/28. Both vehicles were located the next morning in the east side of Cleveland and were towed to WPD to be processed. ***WPD reminds residents to lock up their vehicles and houses each and every night. Please do not leave keys or other valuables inside cars parked in your driveways. There are several documented instances where the suspect(s) try to open a car door, find it is locked, and move along to other potential victims. ***
GOT A CAMERA?
Lots of people now have cameras that capture outside their houses. If you have anything that might be of use or have further information don’t hesitate to call dispatch or email me here: gvogel@westlakepolice.us
SECURITY ASSESSMENTS OFFERED:
If you are interested in having a crime prevention assessment of your home or business or have an HOA or other organization that would like tips on protecting your safety and property please email Lt. Dancy at jdancy@westlakepolice.us to arrange an appointment.
You can follow developments on the Westlake Police Facebook page.
They are also on Instagram and Twitter @westlakepolice
Attention Bay Village Residents and Business Owners
The surrounding suburbs have been targeted recently in a string of daytime burglaries. These burglaries have involved individuals forcing entry into a home by kicking-in doors or breaking glass. The assailants then entered homes whether the house was occupied or if it was vacant. Additionally, there have been numerous vehicles stolen as well.
It is imperative that residents keep their homes and vehicles locked at all times. More importantly, it is essential that if you see something suspicious, please do not hesitate to call the police. This should be done right away by using our non-emergency number 440-871-1234 or 911 if you see an active burglary.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the BVPD. If you are interested in a free home security evaluation, the BVPD has certified Crime Prevention Specialists that can tour your home and give recommendations for averting this kind of crime.
If you are interested in a crime prevention survey, please call or contact Sgt. Robert Gillespie at rgillespie@cityofbayvillage.com
Westlake Porter Public Library and Westlake Police Department Partner on Crime Prevention Webinar
Westlake Porter Public Library and the Westlake Police Department are partnering to offer Neighborhood Crime Prevention on Tuesday, February 16 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required, and participants will receive Zoom login information by email after registering.
In response to the recent string of home burglaries in Westlake, Lt. Dancy of the Westlake Police Department will offer information on ways you can safeguard your home and property, as well as tips on spotting and helping to reduce crime in your neighborhood.
To register please visit westlakelibrary.org/events.
