3News investigates: Crime at Browns tailgate parties has dropped significantly

CLEVELAND – On Browns game days, parties around Huntington Bank Field start before sunrise. But how is the party monitored by law enforcement?

3News Investigates focused on five popular tailgating locations, including the Muni Lot, to find out how Cleveland police are keeping fans safe before the game. We obtained every single police report from these five locations for the first home game of 2024 against the Dallas Cowboys.

The list was not long. In fact, only one crime was reported: a woman parked her car shortly before midnight and a few hours later found a broken window and stolen items.

But even though tens of thousands of fans celebrated the football season, there was no violence, no weapons offenses, and no drugs were confiscated.

The city of Cleveland's rules for tailgating are clear: zero tolerance for vandalism, no open fires, and no alcohol or marijuana.

“It's really a hands-on approach. That's the way it has to be done,” said Tyler Sinclair, communications strategist in Mayor Justin Bibb's office. “In a city like Cleveland, we're a small but close-knit community. We can't do this alone.”

RELATED TOPICS: City releases Muni Lot rules, parking/traffic information for 2024 Browns season

Browns fans may be able to sneak a drink or two, but records show that crimes have occurred during pre-game celebrations in recent years.

3News Investigates also pulled together all the reports leading up to the 2023 opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland police filed three police reports for that date, but again, all of the incidents were minor: There was a violent tailgate thief who was cited for “general disturbance,” a medical emergency and a person who called 911 because they were frustrated with traffic.

Overall, this is a relatively small price to pay for one of the NFL's best game day experiences.

Although Cleveland prides itself on its passionate fans, safety always comes before a celebration.

“Public safety always comes first,” Sinclair admitted when explaining the city's approach. “If there is no safety, people can't enjoy the experience aspect.”

Comparing games outside of the home openers shows a similar result. 3News obtained recordings for a game midway through the 2023 season as well as the Browns' final home game in December 2023, when they clinched a playoff spot against the New York Jets. According to Cleveland police, there were no crime reports for either date.

The Browns’ next home game is scheduled for September 22 against the New York Giants.

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