Norwalk ranks 89th in safest Ohio cities

In a recent report of the safest cities in the state, Norwalk fell right in the middle.On Feb. 14, the National Council for Home Safety and Security announced its rankings of the Safest Cities in Ohio for 2018, naming several cities near Cleveland as among the least dangerous.To identify the safest cities, the council reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime Report statistics along with its own population data and internal research. Cities that failed to submit a complete crime report to the FBI and cities with populations fewer than 10,000 residents were removed.The cities were ranked based on the number of reported violent crimes (aggravated assault, murder, rape and robbery) and property crimes (burglary, arson, larceny-theft and motor vehicle theft) per 1,000 people. The crimes were weighted, with violent crimes assigned a value 1.5 times that of property crimes, due to their severity.The Maple City ranked 89 out of the 166, almost directly in the middle. It was the only city in Huron County to make it on the list due to population size of the other cities (Bellevue and Willard).Norwalk, with 16,792 residents, reported 440 property crimes and 10 violent crimes last year, averaging out to 26.2 property crimes, and less than one violent crimes per 1,000 residents.Norwalk Mayor Rob Duncan said he attributes the safety in the city to concerned citizens and good law enforcement."First of all, the personal responsibility is important," Duncan said. "Our citizens are pretty good about reporting suspicious activities and people, which they might see while they're out and about.""We also have a quality, well-trained safety force continually doing their best to keep our city safe," the mayor added. "They're constantly training and improving their skills. Especially with the internet is that important. There are a lot of different dangers on the internet and it's very important that they stay up to date with it. It's a lot more than someone breaking into a house these days. There are many cyber crimes they have to be aware of."Duncan said he's "not content being in the middle" and is always looking to improve."Having been born here and spending my entire life here in Norwalk, I feel it's the best city in Ohio to live, work and raise a family," said Dave Light, who retired as police chief on Friday.Light agreed with the mayor about not being content with a No. 89 ranking but said he feels the data may be off at least a little."We have great school systems, families that been here a long time, great businesses. The people just seem vested in the community. I think we're much safer than what the data shows, but I think we can also do much better."Duncan and Light said a lot of the crime in the city is related to the opioid epidemic.The reality is, Light said, it could be a lot worse. "I don't know if it's right or wrong, but I've always felt God had his hand over Norwalk," Light said."Geographically we're in a good spot, far enough away from cities having real, serious problems. ... If you go few miles in either direction, Lorain or Mansfield, even north to Sandsuky, even just 45 minutes from here and you can be in serious, violent neighborhoods. We don't see near the violence and levels of crime you see in other communities."Sandusky in Erie County ranked No. 126 on the list. Mansfield in Richland County was No. 154 — two places lower than Toledo but two above Cincinnati.While Lorain was not listed among the 166 cities, Elyria — its nearby neighbor in Lorain County — ranked No. 113.In addition to those, two other cities in counties adjoining Huron County ranked lower than Norwalk on the list: Bucyrus (No. 134, Crawford County) and Fremont (150, Sandusky County).Five cities in adjoining counties ranked higher than Norwalk: North Ridgeville (No. 11, Lorain County), Vermilion (23, Erie/Lorain counties), Amherst (48, Lorain County), Ashland (66, Ashland County), Tiffin (81, Seneca County), Light said he believes having good teacher, leaders, administrators, businessmen and women and law enforcement makes a difference as well. Between the city police, state Highway Patrol, the Huron County Sheriff's Office being based in the city and having other agencies constantly coming to and from Norwalk, that presence "helps a lot," Light said.Duncan said he hopes a larger law enforcement will help to make the city even safer.However, that hasn't materialized. Even though the police department received funding to add a 24th officer, a career change for one and a retirement for another made NPD two fewer than a full staff."We never got up to that full staffing," he said. "We're hoping this is the year we'll get up to full staffing and that should definitely help."At the top of the list in the report, Geauga County's Chester Township was found to be the safest city in the state. It reported no violent crimes and less than two property crimes per 1,000 residents. Cuyahoga County's Olmsted Township and Medina County's Montville Township ranked No. 2 and 3, respectively.Rounding out the top 10 are Hudson, Brunswick Hills Township, Brecksville, Rocky River, Sagamore Hills, Poland Township and Seven Hills.The most dangerous city among the 166 included in report was Chillicothe, with about 81 property crimes and just over four violent crimes per 1,000 residents.Rounding out the bottom 10, in order of most dangerous after Chillicothe, are Springfield, Cleveland, Middletown, Lima, Whitehall, Dayton, Health, Brooklyn and Canton.Norwalk Police Chief Dave LightNorwalk Mayor Rob Duncan.