CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — A $1 million Department of Justice grant will be helping the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department fight carjackings, according to a press release from the county.

What You Need To Know

  • In order to help them fight carjackings, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department received a $1 million grant

  • The grant comes via the Department of Justice

  • Carjackings have spiked in the area in recent years

  • They also provide tips on avoiding being a victim

The sheriff’s department is going to work with the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office’s Crime Strategies Unit “to identify patterns and assess risk factors associated with carjacking offenses” and would use the data to implement “theft prevention measures.”

"Cuyahoga County is committed to protecting our residents and creating safer streets for all," Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said in the release. "Public safety is the foundation of a strong community. With this funding, we can invest in tools and resources needed to promote healthy and sustainable living in neighborhoods throughout the County."

The release highlights the recent spike in carjackings in the area, saying there were more than 420 in 2021. The grant will make possible the hiring of a research analyst from Cleveland State University and other support staffing.

“As the County Sheriff, my top priority is ensuring Cuyahoga County residents are safe,” Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel said in the release. “This funding will allow us to develop and implement strategies to deter violent crimes associated with carjackings, including aggravated thefts, shootings, and homicides.”

The release also includes the following tips to avoid being a victim:

  • Park safely in areas with good lighting and do not walk to your vehicle by yourself
  • Pay attention to your surroundings, and if it seems like someone is following you call the police
  • Be mindful of how carjackers “set up victims”: pretending to be stranded or bumping into your car with theirs are just some of the ways. If you feel unsafe, you can call police or go to a police station
  • Avoid using secluded ATMs
  • Call police if you see anything suspicious or illegal

“Carjackings are not only a significant problem in Cuyahoga County, they are also a conduit to violent crimes, and these crimes do not stop at city borders,” Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley said in the release. “With this grant and working with our law enforcement partners, we can share vital information throughout Cuyahoga County to reduce carjackings and increase the safety of our residents and visitors.”

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