Burglary Suspect Arrested

Chief Dino J. Carozza

Friday October 30, 2009- On Thursday October 29, 2009, at 9:08 pm Officers were dispatched to 221 South Elm Apt. F regarding a burglary in progress. The Police Dispatcher remained on the telephone with the person reporting the burglary. The caller followed the suspect on foot and gave the direction the suspect was running to the dispatcher who forwarded the information to responding officers.

Officers observed the caller and the suspect running in the railroad yard south of South Elm Street. Officers exited their cruisers and pursued the suspect on foot. The suspect changed direction and fled north into a fenced in area south of Jefferson Avenue. Officer’s searched for the suspect who was avoiding capture. An officer observed the suspect who began running. The suspect attempted to jump over a fence. The officer ordered the suspect multiple times to stop his attempt to flee, but the suspect failed to obey the officer’s commands to stop. The officer deployed his Taser which was effective and the suspect was arrested by the officer.

The suspect was transported to the Orrville Police Department and processed. During processing of the suspect, two bags of marijuana were found in the clothing of the suspect. The suspect was later transported to the Wayne County Justice Center.      

Officers learned the suspect had stolen a Play Station III video game system including several video games. The value of the Play Station system and games is unknown at this time.

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Vehicles Targeted for Thefts

Capt. M. Birkbeck

Wednesday October 21, 2009- The Orrville Police Department has detected an uptick in thefts from vehicles in October. In the first 18 days of October, officers have investigated seven instances of items being stolen from parked cars in the city. Furthermore, since this type of crime tends to be underreported, it is believed that there are many more vehicle trespasses taking place. This is a common occurrence during the fall months as the hours of darkness increase and the number of people out in public decreases.

The Center for Problem-Oriented Policing notes that “because suburban residential areas are relatively safe and quiet, residents can become complacent about car security. They may leave their car doors unlocked or the keys in the ignition. Oftentimes, their homes’ exterior lighting is wholly inadequate. Overly tall shrubbery and other brush on the premises can provide thieves with cover. An entire neighborhood filled with unlocked cars and poorly lit homes, with plenty of cover, is an inviting scene for a thief.” Residents are asked to keep these factors in mind, and to take steps to reduce the likelihood that your vehicle will be an attractive target for thieves.

In addition to taking steps to prevent thefts from vehicles, residents are asked to report any suspicious activity to the police department. If you believe items were stolen from your vehicle or that someone entered your vehicle without permission, please report these circumstances to the police immediately. Even if you do not wish to file a formal police report, it is important that this information is given to the police department so that patterns of criminal activity can be monitored.

Historically, thefts from vehicles tend to occur in clusters. The current trend appears to be consistent with this pattern. To view the most recent data on known thefts from vehicle’s in Orrville click here.

Anyone with information regarding these crimes is encouraged to contact the Orrville Police Department at 330 684-5025 or on the anonymous Crime Tip Hotline at 330 684-5151.

Churches Targeted for Thefts in Orrville Area

Wednesday Oct. 14, 2009- Residents are asked to be on the lookout for a male suspect wanted in connection with a string of recent thefts from area churches.

Since Saturday there have been at least three churches in which a male subject has asked to use the restroom. In two  of the three incidents a theft took place.

The suspect is described as being a white male, in his 20’s, between 5′6 and 6′ tall, having sandy brown or blonde hair and light blue eyes. In each of the known incidents the suspect was riding a red bicycle.

Anyone observing a person matching this description or with knowledge of these incidents are asked to contact the Orrville Police Department at 330 684-5025 or the Anonymous Tip Line at 330 684-5151.

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Halloween Safety Tips

 Capt. M. Birkbeck

Wednesday Oct. 7, 2009- On Saturday October 31, 2009 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. the city will hold a community-wide Trick or Treat event. The Orrville Police Department would like to take this opportunity to pass on some Halloween safety tips which have been compiled by the National Crime Prevention Council.

 To ensure that trick-or-treaters, you, and your house stay safe, remember the following tips.

• Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark, lest someone go bump in the night.
• Keep your house well lighted, both inside and out; you wouldn’t want to miss any particularly good costumes, would you?
• Ask your Neighborhood Watch or local citizen’s group to haunt (patrol) your community.
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your police or sheriff’s department.

To make sure even the scariest costumes are safe, keep the following in mind when buying or designing one.

• Try makeup instead of masks; it’s more comfortable and doesn’t obstruct vision the way masks can.
• Check to ensure that costumes are flame-retardant so that young ones are safe around jack-o’-lanterns, candles, and other flames.
• Keep costumes short to ensure that the only trip taken is the one around the neighborhood.
• Look for brightly colored costumes, attach reflector strips to costumes and bags, and remind trick-or-treaters to carry glow sticks and flashlights.
• If a costume involves any sort of fake weapon, make sure that it is made of a flexible material such as cardboard or foam. Or, avoid the whole problem of weapons by challenging your child to design a costume that is scary without one.

Keep in mind the next few tips to make sure your trick-or-treater’s night in the neighborhood will be safe and fun.

• Older kids should trick-or-treat in groups; kids walking around alone are never as safe as those in groups, and especially not at night. Younger kids should be accompanied by a parent or trusted neighbor.
• Review the route for trick-or-treating beforehand and set a time set when kids should be home. Also, have a plan if your child gets separated from his or her friends or from you.
• Remind your children not to enter strange houses or cars.

After a successful and safe night around the neighborhood, remember that the treats still need scrutiny before anyone eats them.

• Remind your children not to eat treats until they’ve come home. To help ensure this, feed them a meal or a substantial snack before they go out.
• Check all treats at home in a well-lighted place. Be especially wary of anything that is not wrapped by the factory or that is no longer sealed.
• Remind kids not to eat everything at once, lest they be green even without the makeup.