MEDINA — Two cities in Medina County are among the top 25 safest cities in the state, according to a list compiled by Safewise.com, a company that compares and compiles information on home safety and security systems.
Brunswick and Wadsworth both made it into the top half of the “50 Safest Cities in Ohio” compiled by Safewise.com using crime rate statistics, school ratings and other community data. Brunswick ranked 13 and Wadsworth was 22 on the list.
Both communities were commended for their low crime rates and school districts offering advanced placement-level academics and many extracurricular activities.
The article praised Brunswick’s annual Police and Fire Kids Safety Fair.
“The effects of this are reflected in the city’s overall low crime rates, particularly crimes against others, which are well below national averages,” they wrote.
Carl DeForest, Brunswick’s police chief and interim city manager, said he’s proud of the efforts of all city employees, but especially the police and fire forces.
“The uniformed patrol that goes out day in and day out, they’re proactive,” he said. “They try to detect areas of criminal activity and intervene before it becomes significant.”
He also praised the strong interactions among community organizations.
“The schools, the churches and the nonprofit associations — everybody works together,” he said.
Wadsworth officials also were pleased with the ranking.
Matt Hiscock, director of public safety for Wadsworth, said the Police Department implemented new safety initiatives recently, including the use of social media to share crime information and interact with the public.
“We’ve also rejuvenated our attempts at forming neighborhood watch groups,” he said.
Hiscock said the city passed a criminal nuisance ordinance this year to give police officers a new tool in going after properties where they find repeated crime.
“If there’s a persistent criminal nuisance at a residence, we can take steps to fine and take action against the property owner,” he said.
To view the complete list of Ohio cities named on the list, visit www.safewise.com/blog/50-safest-cities-ohio.
Contact reporter Loren Genson at (330) 721-4063 or lgenson@medina-gazette.com.