CLEVELAND — Violent crime is down in Cleveland, according to Mayor Justin Bibb, who made the announcement to residents Wednesday during a town hall meeting.
The mayor paused and reflected on two recent tragedies involving gun violence: the murder of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter and 10-year-old Grace Griffin.
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“We have been making some positive strides around our public safety efforts," said Bibb, who told the crowd that year to date, homicides are down 34 %, carjackings are down 28%, and shootings are down 12%.
The city touted a 70% rate when it came to solving homicides, but Bibb said, "That’s progress, but we have a lot more work to do.”
Meanwhile, residents showed up to voice concerns about other issues.
Kathy Mihalek says the growing homeless presence in the city needs to be addressed.
“I understand that people are down and out, and they have hard times. But it shouldn't also put a burden on people in their neighborhoods, to the point that they don't feel safe walking down the street or being harassed," said Mihalek.
Cleveland's police chief, Dorothy Todd, told News 5 that their summer initiative called "Operation Heat Wave" is getting results.
"The results we're getting, the arrests we're making the guns we're getting off the street is really having an impact. And a lot of that is partnering with the community, hearing their concerns and addressing those areas.”
Todd says they are turning up the heat on street takeovers, stopping many before they can even start.
"We got ahead of it. We had a presence there. And it stopped that from you know, stop the activity and diverted them. But it's constantly, you know, chasing after it and trying to find that next location," said Todd.
