CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland police have launched a specialized unit to combat a surge in vehicle break-ins and other property-related crimes.
Officials on Monday announced the formation of a new unit called Street and Nuisance Crime Enforcement, which is designed to tackle quality-of-life issues.
The unit launched last week, officials said.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said the residents have spoken up and demanded action regarding the increase in break-ins.
“The recent rash of car break-ins across the city impacts the quality of life of our residents, our visitors, and our businesses,” Bibb said. “This sends a direct message to those who are committing these types of crimes – we are coming after you.”
In recent weeks, officers arrested 23 people suspected of committing dozens of car break-ins across the city, including in downtown Cleveland, Little Italy, Ohio City and Detroit-Shoreway. Many were teenagers and some were as young as 12.
Last week, police arrested a 15-year-old boy found in a stolen car. He was in possession of tools commonly used for car break-ins, officials said. He had active warrants for murder and felonious assault.
Officers in the new unit have also arrested another suspect wanted for sexual imposition.
“Our goal is to strategically target the individuals and trends driving this type of criminal activity,” Cleveland Police Chief Annie Dorothy Todd said in a statement. “By using a data-driven approach, we aim not only to respond to crimes but to prevent them before they occur.”
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