Mayfield Heights Police Expand Neighborhood Watch Program to Apartments

Mayfield Heights Police have expanded the city's Neighborhood Watch program to include apartment complexes, starting with its largest—Marsol Apartments.

The department held the city's first-ever Neighborhood Watch meeting for an apartment complex last night with Mayor Anthony DiCicco. According to a statement, the police department and city have been working with new Marsol owner Morgan Properties Management Co. and Stephanie Sturzinger, the on-site manager, for about six months on lessening crime and other incidents at the complex. Police report a "steady decline" in calls to the Marsol during that period.

City officials applauded Morgan's purchase of the 379,886-square-foot lot in May. Around that time, Councilwoman Gayle Teresi said the company would be "doing some house cleaning with regard to the suites and any problem tenants that they have in the complex."

In the last two years, numerous thefts and fights have been reported there. In 2011, a security guard said he was stabbed in the parking lot after approaching a suspicious-looking car with people in it.

Police Lt. Scott R. Suydam said in an email that the department plans on including all large complexes within city limits.

"We have had monthly Neighborhood Watch meetings for four years now, which meet with residents at our Community Center," he said. "It is Chief (Fred) Bittner’s and my hope to make this program a success with our apartment residences like it is already with our homeowners."

All residents are invited to join and attend our monthly Neighborhood Watch meetings held at the DeJohn Community Center. In order to join, visit the city's website or call Lt. Scott Suydam 440-442-2323.