POLICE BEAT--A HOME BURGLARY OCCURS EVERY 15 SECONDS--Here are some safety tips!

 

Did you know that a home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in the United States? 

Be proactive--and don't wish you had done something after the fact. Many burglaries occur in neighborhoods, and in the daytime.

There are quick, simple steps you can take to make your home more secure right away including these easy home security tips you can use to make your home more secure.

The biggest deterrents to home invasions are as simple as locking doors and windows and installing a home security system. Although we often feel safe in our communities it is still important to be cautious and secure all possible entrances. 

--More than three quarters of burglars use social media to identify potential targets.

--Wifi networks must always be password protected to prevent outsiders from accessing private information and connected home security devices.

--You can protect your most valuable possessions by hiding brand and product names from boxes you put on the curb. Better yet, breakdown your boxes and recycle them. That keeps them out of sight of burglars. 

--Secure garages and sheds and use a safe for valuables.

--Install motion detector lighting, it can deter burglars. 

--Some research has shown that motion detectors deter burglars thanks to their sudden onset and possibility of alerting neighbors to suspicious activity, especially when those neighbors know you’re away and wouldn’t be triggering the lights yourself. Motion detector lights are easy to install and extremely affordable (as low as $10-$15), so we think they’re worth installing to add an extra layer of safety to your home’s exterior areas.

--Picking your locks is something most burglars will know how to do. To be extra secure add a deadbolt protector which slides a lock over your deadbolt to prevent it from turning. You can find them at most hardware stores.

--Sliding doors on patios and decks are more vulnerable than your main front door. The locks are easier to pick, and even just an extra hard pull can get through many locks. It’s best to add some extra security to your sliding doors. This can be as simple as laying a bar, broomstick, or piece of plywood in the door track, but many homeowners prefer a more sophisticated method. In that case, you can buy locks that fit onto the bottom or top of the door to add extra protection.

--Home security cameras are a great idea. Cameras can deter burglars. Many homeowners also enjoy the added day-to-day feeling of security that home cameras can provide. Products like the Ring and Google Nest Cam allow homeowners to check on their home while away and see a clear picture of visitors who knock on the front door before opening it.

--Where would you look to find someone's spare key? Under the mat, the mailbox, under a stone or flowerpot close to the door? These hiding places, so to speak, invite burglars to come on in! If you need to leave a key out, use a lockbox so no one else can access it. 

--Oversharing on social media makes your home more vulnerable. By posting photos of your home with the address plaque visible or sharing details of your upcoming extended vacation are invitations for burglars and increasing the risk of home invasion--78 % of buglers use Facebook and Twitter. Use caution when posting. If you want to share your vacation adventures, make a special group of trusted family and friends on Facebook and only post there. 

Be safe, keep your home safe and protect your possessions by following these simple suggestions. 

ICE SAFETY TIPS FROM THE LAKEMORE FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

With living near a lake come some dangers when the weather is turning cold. Be aware of the dangers and share this info with your children. Lakemore Fire Department said the first thing they are taught in an ice rescue class is that "NO ICE IS SAFE ICE." The theory behind it is that no matter how thick the ice is, accidents can and do happen.

Some general guidelines can be found at the Ohio Department of Natural Resource website. It is recommended that there is at least 4" of clear ice on the lake before walking on the Ice. This can take several days of very cold weather to happen. Be careful if we have warmer days as the ice does melt from the bottom up and can be thinner after just a few days of warm weather. Vehicles are not permitted out on Springfield Lake so you will need to walk on foot if the ice is thick enough. If you do plan to fish out on the ice, make sure you have a Personal Floatation Device. It would be safest to head out in a pair and never go out onto the ice by yourself.

Be aware others who have been out there fishing may not have covered their holes, so always watch your step. Most ice rescue incidents involve someone who has fallen through the ice because it is warming up and the ice is not as thick as they thought. A lot of times the ice will continue to break as the victim attempts to climb out. While easier said than done, here's what you should do if someone you're with falls through the ice.

Try to remain calm and do not panic. Do your best to get off the ice or away from where the ice broke and try to keep eye contact with the victim and keep them calm. The link below expands on the principles of Reach, Throw Row, Go for water rescue. Call 911 as soon as possible or have someone else do so, follow the dispatcher's instructions and answer the questions as best as you can. When Fire Crews arrive on scene they will ask where you last saw the victim. Give them the best description you can. Keep in contact with the victim and keep them awake and talking, if you try to pull them out without proper equipment you may become a victim yourself.

https://ohiodnr.gov/.../recreational.../ice-fishing-safety

POLICE BEAT---When do you stop for a school bus?

School bus traffic laws are in effect for the safety of children or other passengers entering or leaving a school bus. Children often will be crossing the street at the bus stop, so these laws are extremely important for their safety. In Ohio, school bus traffic laws vary depending on the size of the road.

Two-Lane Roads

For two-lane roads, all traffic must stop for a school bus no matter which direction it's traveling. Traffic must stop at least 10 feet away from the school bus, whether coming from its front or rear.

Resuming Travels

In many states, traffic may resume when the school bus lights are off. In Ohio, traffic can't commence until the bus resumes movement or until it's waved on by the school bus driver. Other personnel who are allowed to move on traffic when a school bus is stopped include peace officers and school crossing guards.

School bus traffic laws are listed in the Ohio Revised Code, the law book for the State of Ohio. You can find traffic rules about stopping for school buses in Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.75.

Highways with Four or More Lanes

On roads with four or more lanes, only traffic moving in the same direction as the bus must stop when the school bus stops to release passengers. Traffic coming from the opposite direction doesn't have to stop in these instances. To facilitate this law, children are dropped off on the same side of the road as their residences, so they won't have to cross the street.

Divided Highways

Divided highways are treated the same as those with four or more lanes. Oncoming traffic doesn't have to stop regardless of how many lanes of traffic there are, but traffic moving in the same direction still has to stop. Traffic must stop no less than 10 feet away from the school bus.

Waiting for a Stopped School Bus

The wait for a stopped school bus may seem to take a while in some cases. That's because according to Ohio law, the bus driver must wait to resume its travels until all exiting passengers are a safe distance away from the bus.

School Bus Safety Requirements for Traffic

A school bus doesn't have to be equipped with an extending stop safety sign in order for traffic to stop. When bus lights are flashing, this is sufficient to signal drivers that they need to stop, as the bus is loading or unloading passengers.The amber and red visual signals required for a school bus are listed in Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.771.

Violation of School Bus Traffic Laws

Those who violate school bus traffic stop laws may receive a $500 fine and could have their driver's license suspended for no longer than listed in Ohio Revised Code Section 4510.02, which describes the lengths and classes of suspensions. Those who violate school bus traffic laws can't plead guilty on the site but must attend a court hearing in person.

 

Police Chief Jack Simone explains The Sawyerwood Coalition.

Some local residents have asked what the Reclaim Sawyerwood Coalition and Police Chief Jack Simone explains. 

The coalition is an opportunity to bring together Sawyerwood residents that have a desire to improve their community. 

The Reclaim Sawyerwood Coalition is a group of residents banding together to create a better neighborhood. Research shows that small changes can reduce crime, create a better sense of community, and increase overall safety. 

Community gatherings are one of the most effective tools in creating a safer neighborhood. 

 Reclaim Sawyerwood Coalition meets the first Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Sawyerwood United Methodist Church, to discuss strategies and sharing information such as, scheduling a cleanup event to address any vacant spaces, since the abandon structures invite crime, house rodents and other pests in addition lower neighborhood real estate values. 

 

Simone explained, "Also, we can respectfully help members of the Sawyerwood Community. One of the programs resulted from our meetings was an Earth Day Event on Saturday April 23, 2022, to clean up litter, trash, and debris in the Sawyerwood community."    

To learn more on volunteer to help by visiting the department at 2465 Canfield Road or call 330-784-1609.

Staying Safe for the New Year! Be Safe!! POLICE BEAT DECEMBER 28, 2022

Be safe in the new year

Plan a ride in advance

On average, driving accidents rise during the holidays, so it's crucial to have a safe ride on a night when so many
people are out and about. Don't assume you'll be able to hail a cab. Know your options in advance and decide whether you'll take public transportation, use a ridesharing service or carpool with your friends.

Plan for guests' safety

If you're hosting a party, you'll want to be sure your guests get home safely. One option might be to hire a driver for the evening to provide people a way to get home.

Make a plan with your kids

Set a reasonable curfew with your kids for their New Year's Eve festivities. If they're old enough to drive, be sure they understand the dangers of driving on the holiday. Encourage them to stay in one location instead of hopping from party to party. 

What to avoid on New Year's Eve

Avoid leaving your car overnight

New Year's Day is the most active holiday for car thefts. If you must leave your car somewhere overnight, be sure it's locked and try to pick it up as early as possible the next day.

Don't use fireworks or firearms

Both guns and fireworks frequently make "celebratory" appearances at New Year's Eve parties. But it might not be a good idea with the holiday crowds.

Here is a link to some more good tips!

https://blog.americansafetycouncil.com/new-years-eve-safety-tips/

 

Here are some tips for New Year's Eve.  The last line is a site with good tips as well.

Let me know if you need any additional information for New Year's Eve.

Ride Shares

There are ride share codes for free rides New Years Eve night. Watch for more info from the police department and the Summit County Prosecutor's Office. 

 

 

A Christmas Rundown of Springfield Lakemore!!

These two lake communities had festivities, lights, music and more throughout the holiday season.  The Village of Lakemore held its Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Santa arrived at the event on a fire truck and was greeted by a very excited and enthusiastic crowd that had endured the cold night air to see the jolly man in person. He waved his hand in a magical way that lit the huge tree located outside the Municipal Building. At the event there were horse drawn wagon rides, lots of cookies and hot cocoa and Santa listened to the wishes of all the children.

Springfield Township also received a visit from the red suited man the first Friday in December. 

Santa also waved his hands and lit the township tree located in the gazebo along the lake. With the lighting of the tree came the lighting of other animated decorations located along Canfield Road. The lights are beautiful as they reflect off the lake. There was music, snacks and a visit with Santa for all. 

A big part of Christmas for these two communities is giving and helping those in need. This year, both police departments held Fill A Cruiser days at Dollar General and Walmart. They collected new toys, clothes and non-perishable food items for Springfield Cares to pass out to families in need in the communities. 

Springfield Fire Department held a pancake breakfast, and the admission was canned goods which went to Springfield Cares. The schools also collected canned goods. 

Springfield held Shop With a Cop and Lakemore was one of the communities participating. Kids loved spending the day with officers and volunteers as they began with breakfast at the high school and then shopping at Walmart. Then after sirens blaring and lights flashing during the ride back to the high school the kids enjoyed Santa, lunch and time together as the elves wrapped their packages to take home.

Boxes ready, Springfield Cares

Springfield Cares was able to help 63 families in Lakemore and Springfield. The Springfield Police and Fire Departments, Lakemore Fire and Police Departments, Lakemore Council, Mayor Rich Cole, Springfield Local School District students and staff, Nativity Church, Springfield Baptist, Act Now Inc., Grace Community Fellowship, and all community members involved of Lakemore and Springfield participated in making this happen. 

It was a great season for the communities thanks to the kind people of the village and the township there was Christmas for some that needed a helping hand. Also, a special thank you to those that made the events special such as Lakemore Council and the Parks Department of Springfield and to the volunteers of Springfield Cares.

Dust off your walking shoes!

 

People in the Village of Lakemore and Springfield Township may soon find it easier to walk from place to place in their communities. The Connecting Communities Program of the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) today awarded a $52,000 planning grant Lakemore and Springfield for a unique livability study. 

AMATS offers grants through its Connecting Communities Program to assist in the development of plans that promote vibrant, livable communities. The program promotes active transportation solutions such as walking and cycling in land use planning rather than motor vehicle use. Since its launch in 2010, the program has funded studies by Akron, Barberton, Boston Heights, Green, Hudson, Kent, METRO of Summit County, Montrose-area communities, the Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority (PARTA), Ravenna, Richfield, Stow, and Twinsburg. 

The Living in Lakemore/Spartan Trail Extension study will allow the village to identify connectivity improvements between its residential neighborhoods and commercial and recreational areas. New sidewalks throughout Lakemore are already being touted as the most likely strategy to be pursued under the study while dedicated bike lanes and improved transit access are other possibilities. AMATS Mobility Planner Heather Davis Reidl notes that – other than the west end of Sanitarium Road - there is a general lack of sidewalks in the village, which limits residents’ access to the Spartan Trail. The trail provides access to key destinations throughout the village including Springfield Lake Park and the Lakemore Plaza on Canton Road. However, access to the Spartan Trail is impossible in some places and it does not connect to the Springfield Middle and High schools.

Large portions of the trail are also without lighting and pavement. The study will identify potential sidewalk locations to provide safe access not only to the trail and schools, but nearby METRO bus stops, shopping, and parks. Because the village and township share the Springfield Local Schools system, both communities will use the study to identify sections of the Spartan Trail suitable for development as neighborhood access points to the middle and high schools. “Many of these students walk to school along Canton and Sanitarium roads with no protection from nearby traffic,” Reidl continues, “Creating a safe route to schools is likely welcome news to a community that lacks school-based transportation for its middle and high schoolers.” For more information, call AMATS at 330-375-2436 or visit the website at amatsplanning.org. AMATS is the regional transportation planning agency serving the Greater Akron area of Portage and Summit counties. Visit the website amatsplanning.org.