Block Watch has proven itself as one of the most effective ways for citizens to get involved in the fight against crime. The fact is, the police alone cannot control crime; they need the help of an alert and concerned public. Safe streets and neighborhoods are everyone's concern and Block Watch provides a means for everyone to be responsibly involved in the fight against crime.
Block Watch establishes a formal network for citizens to exchange ideas and information with their neighbors and the police. Through a specially designed sequence of neighborhood meetings, the residents learn how to become the extended eyes and ears for the police, reporting on suspicious or unusual activity in their neighborhood and forwarding that information on to the proper authorities.
Block Watch participants also learn the best techniques for securing their homes and property, along with tips on personal safety for themselves and their families when shopping, traveling, and engaging in other activities away from home.
Under no circumstances are Block Watch participants asked to perform law enforcement duties. This is the job of the police. There are no Block Watch tasks that would put anyone at risk. Most Block Watch duties are performed in the course of everyday activities around the neighborhood. Being a Block Watch participant does not detract from working schedules or leisure time.
Contact the Community Services office at 614-866-6622 for more information on how to start a Block Watch in your area.
The Reynoldsburg Division of Police strictly enforces the curfew laws. If your child is detained past curfew, as outlined below then they will be in violation of the curfew law. This simply means that your child shall not be beyond the property line of his or her residential property between the hours specified below unless accompanied by his or her parent guardian, or other adult person having the care and custody of the minor, guardian of the minor, or other adult person having the care and custody of the minor.
14 years old and younger Sunday - Thursday 10 p.m. - 4:30 am
Friday - Saturday 11 p.m. - 4:30 am
15-17 years old Sunday - Thursday 11 p.m. - 4:30 am
When there are large vehicles parked on the residential roadway it makes it very difficult to maneuver around them. In addition to vehicles trying to maneuver around them children have a difficult time seeing to cross the road. For the reasons stated above the City of Reynoldsburg initiated an ordinance that prohibits the parking of such vehicles. The ordinance is summarized below:
351.16 Parking of Commercial Vehicles, Trailers, Recreational Vehicles, and boats.
No commercial vehicle, motor bus, motor bus home, recreation vehicle, house trailer, travel trailer or other trailer as defined in Ohio R.C. 4501.01, and no boat or boat trailer shall be parked or be left standing on any street or alley within the city limits at any time.
Commercial Vehicle: means any vehicle with the current state issued license plates attached with the designation "truck" or "commercial" or any vehicle including a trailer, used for the hauling of any machinery, device, materials or equipment in connection with a commercial enterprise, whether such vehicle is marked or identified by lettering, symbols, or signs relating to such commercial purpose or enterprise or not having attached thereto a state issued license plate with the designation "truck" or "Commercial vehicle."
351.13 Continuous Parking in same location.
No person, except as proved in Section 351.16, who is the owner, agent, operator or other person in charge of any vehicle shall permit the vehicle to remain parked, standing or abandoned upon any street for continuous period longer than forty-eight hours. The purpose of this section is to prohibit continuous long time parking and the storage of vehicles on the streets of the city.
We have taken a community approach to what we call "Thumper Patrol." The city of Reynoldsburg has initiated a "Noise Ordinance 509.11,"Sound Limitations. The ordinance states:
No person shall, on any public sidewalk, street, highway, park, beach, or other public property, or in any motor vehicle located on any public street or property, use, operate, or play any radio, phonograph, stereo set, tape or CD player, television, sound amplifier, or other electronic audio device which produces or reproduces amplified sound, recorded music, or other noise, at a level which is plainly audible at a distance of more than TWENTY-FIVE feet or more from the sound source. This provision shall not apply to live music, motor vehicles that are operated by medical or vehicular assistance to warn others of a hazardous road condition or the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle and is on an emergency run or the motor vehicle is owned and operated by the state of Ohio, a political subdivision, or a public utility.
No person shall knowingly or recklessly cause an amplified sound, live music, recorded music, or other noise to cross real property boundaries at such a volume as to:
(a) disrupt the normal daily activities, including but not limited to sleeping, studying, and dining of persons within a residence or disrupt the normal daily activities, including but not limited to working of persons within a place of business;
(b) noise shall be presumed "unreasonably loud" if uninvited noise is plainly audible at the place of business, or part thereof, greater than 100 feet away from the property line of the sound source.
Why should I control my pet?
Controlling your pet is a courtesy to others. Imagine how your neighbor must feel when your pet runs through his garden, leaves unwanted messes in his yard, knocks over his trash can, or bites a child. As a pet owner it is your responsibility to control your animal.
Responsibility and Control
You are responsible for your pets at all times. Reynoldsburg City Ordinance 505 specifies that all pets must be either kept confined to your property or be under reasonable control at all times. Example: Letting your pet outside to ram the neighborhood would not be considered reasonable control. However, taking your pet for a walk on a leash would be considered reasonable control.
505.19 Barking or Howling Dog or Other Animal
No Person shall keep or harbor any dog or other animal within the Municipality which, by frequent and habitual barking, howling, yelping, screeching, or cawing, creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noises. Violation of this ordinance could result in a minor misdemeanor.
5050.17(c) Nuisance Conditions prohibited.
Any person being the owner of or in charge or control of any animal shall immediately remove all feces deposited by such animal from another person's property, including public parks or other public places