Crime Prevention


The Lima Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit is a part of its Community-Oriented Policing program. It is funded by grants through the Department of Community Development. Our mission is to work in partnership with the community to improve the quality of life by creatively solving problems related to crime, the fear of crime, neighborhood decay, and to safeguard the constitutional rights of all. 

The Crime Prevention Unit offers presentations, in an interactive format, that cover all aspects of crime and crime prevention. These include, but are not limited to home security, personal safety, older people safety, neighborhood safety, scams/fraud/ID theft prevention, robbery, gun safety, human trafficking, bullying/cyberbullying, youth crime prevention, cell phone safety, child safety, bicycle safety, stranger danger, seat belt safety, and apartment complex crime prevention. Presentations can be given to any size group that meets within the city. 

Home and commercial security surveys are other services provided by the Crime Prevention Unit. Home surveys involve assessing the general security of the interior and exterior of the home and then recommendations are made about how to decrease the likelihood of being victimized. A survey can be requested, or it may be offered to citizens door-to-door, especially after a home invasion has occurred. Commercial surveys are assessments of a place of business where suggestions are given for the prevention of robbery, shoplifting, employee theft, and burglary. Areas such as physical environment, points of entry, cash control, robbery procedure, and key control are evaluated 

The Crime Prevention Unit also handles graffiti abatement. When graffiti is located or reported, it is photographed, and a police report is made. The owner of the property is found, and a letter is sent informing them that the graffiti must be removed within 7 days per the Codified Ordinances of the City of Lima. The owner may give written permission to have the City of Lima remove the graffiti free of charge. They may also do it themselves, but it must be removed within 7 days. If it is not, the city will then remove it and the cost associated with removal will be assessed to the owner. 

The C.R.I.M.E. Unit can be contacted for services Monday through Friday at (419) 812-0063.