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CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Divison of Police announced a new initiative aimed at the growing number of car break-ins and other issues in the city.
The initiative, called STANCE — Street and Nuisance Crime Enforcement — has a goal of keeping neighborhoods safe and holding offenders accountable, the police department said.
In the past few weeks, 23 individuals — who were mostly young people — were arrested for suspected car break-ins. Some of the suspects were also arrested in connection with stolen cars and more, the police department said. 
“The recent rash of car break-ins across the city impacts the quality of life of our residents, our visitors, and our businesses. They have rightfully spoken up and demanded action, and that is exactly what we are doing by launching this new, specialized initiative. This sends a direct message to those who are committing these types of crimes — we are coming after you," said Mayor Justin Bibb.
The initiative, which was officially launched under a week ago, is a team of officers that will work with the Division’s Crime Analysis unit. This team will use real-time data, crime mapping reports and community reports to help identify and focus enforcement efforts on areas impacted by crime. 
So far, as part of STANCE, officers have arrested a 15-year-old male, who police said was in a stolen car and in possession of tools known to be used for care break-ins. This individual also had active warrants for murder and felonious assault. 
Additionally, the team issued several uniform traffic and parking citations throughout the city and arrested a male on a felony warrant for sexual imposition. 
As part of STANCE, officers are also increasing community engagement and visibility in areas affected by crime, as identified by the Crime Analysis Unit. 
Overall, the Second District has seen a 65% decrease in car break-ins. The Second District includes the West Side of Cleveland: Ohio City (Near West Side), Tremont, Detroit Shoreway, Clark Fulton, the Stockyards, Brooklyn Centre and Old Brooklyn.
The Third District has seen an 81% decrease. The Third District includes the center of Cleveland: downtown, Goodrich-Kirkland Park, Central, Industrial Valley, North Broadway, Hough, Fairfax and University Circle.
“Our goal is to strategically target the individuals and trends driving this type of criminal activity,” said Chief of Police Dorothy Todd. “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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