The purpose of this bulletin is to inform citizens and policy makers about the nature and scope of crime in rural Ohio, the characteristics of those committing crimes in rural areas, and protective means currently employed by rural residents to protect themselves and their property. Data are derived from the Uniform Crime Reports published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and two studies conducted by the author for governmental agencies. The nature and scope of crime in rural Ohio is reported as follows: 305% increase in rural crimes between 1965 and 1974; vandalism constitutes 38% of all rural crimes; thievery constitutes the second most frequent crime; less than 50% of rural crimes are reported; laxity of courts, lack of law enforcement, laxity and breakdown of family life are the reasons most often cited for the increase in crime; the reasons given for not reporting crimes include "it is no use", "difficult to enforce", "red tape", etc. The characteristics of Ohio rural offenders are reported as follows: 74% are under 30 years; 16 and 19 year olds are the most often arrested groups; 87% are male; 27% are students; 60% are urban residents; 64% are single; 45% are arrested in a group; 23% are intoxicated; 31% have previous records; and 93% are white. This report indicates that among rural Ohio residents many do not lock their homes, less than 50% lock their autos, and most do not lock their buildings or equipment. (JC)