city of Westerville, OH >city dept>police>security

Many homes and businesses are broke into or burglarized each year. There are many ways to reduce your chance of becoming a victim. Most crimes occur when there is an opportunity present. The criminals often target a home or business that is vulnerable and the offender believes they have a better chance of not being detected. A large majority of burglaries occur to unlocked structures or to open garages. Even day-time burglaries have become more prevalant. It is very important for residents and business owners to report suspicious activities in there area, in order to curb crimes at any time of the day.

When reporting suspicious activity to the Police:

· Call the non-emergency phone# 882-7444

· Identify yourself- name, address, phone number

· Type of crime (burglary, assault, suspicious person, or vehicle, etc.)

· Where? Be specific as possible.

· Description of suspect, whether armed, how many

· Description of vehicle, tag number

· Direction of travel.

· Stay on the phone with the dispatcher until they tell you that you can hang up. (Unless you are in fear for your safety)

If you come home or to your place of work and find you have been burglarized, do not enter your house or business. Immediately find a phone and call the police. Wait at a neighbor’s home until they arrive.

To survey your own home or business, see the right side of this page. For questions about the survey or for suggestions on the security of your home/business, call Carrie Ryan the Division's Crime Prevention Specialist at 901-6490. You can also fax your survey to: 776-6177, for suggestions.