A safety blog recently named Athens as one of the 50 safest cities in Ohio, as well as the safest college town in the state.
Safewise, a home security website, recently posted a list of the 50 safest cities in the state, and Athens was ranked 32nd while wealthier communities surrounding Cleveland and Cincinnati dominated the list. The only other college town to crack the list was Kent, which was ranked 41st. Athens ranked higher than well-known suburbs of major Ohio cities such as Shaker Heights, Stow, Lakewood, Mentor, Gahanna and Hilliard. Broadview Heights was determined to be the safest area in the state.
“I think it means we’re doing what we’re expected to do,” Athens Police Chief Tom Pyle said. “For us it’s a nice compliment, as well as for the rest of the community. It means we’re doing our jobs.”
However, Mayor Paul Wiehl said safety is in the eye of the beholder.
“I mean I always feel safe, but I’m 6’3 and male, so there is always a different perspective on that,” Wiehl said. “I think we do a good job trying to keep our community tolerant, in terms of being easygoing. I couldn’t say it’s any particular reason why we’re ranked up there, but 32nd is not bad. I’m glad we’re considered safe.”
He added that Pyle has had a big impact on creating an atmosphere where the community plays a role in crime prevention.
“One thing I really like about Chief Pyle is his emphasis on community-based law enforcement, where we are all in it together and we all work together,” Wiehl said. “That makes it less of an impedance. Some people are afraid to talk to a cop because they are the man, and we try to break that down as much as possible.”
Athens Police Lieutenant Jeff McCall said he believes the ranking is a result of two specific ideas.
“One is that the police department and law enforcement agencies we work closely with are out there, being seen, and that’s a deterrent to crime,” McCall said. “The second, I hope, is that the citizens recognize suspicious people.”
He added Athens is a close-knit area, and that also has an impact on city safety.
“I don’t know how close-knit the others are, but we’re a tight community,” McCall said. “Also, local law enforcement works together to bring successful resolutions to criminal activity.”
When Wiehl first moved to Athens from New York City, he was surprised how many people would leave their doors unlocked at night.
“If someone wants to get in, a locked door isn’t going to stop them,” Wiehl said. “If you have a sense of community, you’re less tempted to rip off your neighbor.”
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