Someone just set off a relatively large firework display (roman candles?) in the alley between Howard & Brummel near Custer (Damen in Chicago).

Not gunshots, just in case anyone is wondering.

Evanston Police have been notified.

Info on Gang Graffiti:

Many at the recent CAPS meeting asked how to differentiate gang graffiiti from simple tagging, here are two helpful links:

Overview of major and many minor Cook County Gangs
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/...-hand-gestures.html

Overview of Chicago Gangs (info ironically from Florida)
http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/gangs/chicago.html

If you want, please take photo of gang graffiti and post here. We'll do our best to give you feedback on the graffiti. But always call 311 (and have your neighbors call as well) to get removed. "They" won't give up easily, but keep calling . . . and keep be a positive presence in your neighborhood (as simple as talking with neighbors in front of your homes for an hour once or twice a week).

Summary of Jan. 28, 2010 CAPS meeting:

Nearly 30 people turned out on this cold night. We had approximately 10 first timers who came because of increases in graffiti on Chase (1800-2100 blocks) and Estes (1900 blocks). The remaining 20 neighbors voiced no specific complaint, suggesting we're seeing much more community involvement: more neighbors connecting with neighbors.

The dean of students for the Science and Math Academy on Clark Street also attended; he's a resident of the 20th police district..

Police provided area stats. As the figures below show, crime is down by 2% for the year in our area. Besides area stats, police usually provide helpful tips and our beat officers can check out out any special problem (they'll be looking into a possibly abandoned vehicle on both Birchwood and Chase). At these meeting police also provide various handouts dealing with topics such as street safety, preventing burglary, avoiding robbery, etc..

Unfortunately, Starbucks did not deliver coffee to this meeting because the manager, who normally brings it, had to take one of her employees to ER . . . but we'll have coffee at the next meeting. Plenty of cookies were available though.

Our next beat meeting is Feb. 25. See you then.

Edited by author 01-16-2010 04:35 PM
CRIME STATS OVERVIEW 2009

For 2009, reported crime incidents were down 2% as compared to 2008 in police beat 2424; this is also the amount that incidents were down in the district.

In December, overall reported crime was down (14%) compared to the same month in 2008 -- the third month in a row crime was down.

The percent of crime incidents North versus South of Touhy has been fairly constant over 2008 and 2009 when looked at on an annual basis. However, percentages have swing wildly throughout the year.

Some of the larger drops in crimes we've seen are 21% in drug violations and 55% in prostitution (most of this is in the southern half along Clark Street).

Increases in crime incidents, as compared to 2008, have focused on battery (aggravated 26%, domestic 18%, and other 1%), burglary 24%, disorderly conduct 83%, and robbery 20%.

In total number of incidents in 2009, the leader was theft 156 (down 13% from 2008), followed by vandalism 141 (up 11%).

The bottom line is that increased cooperation among residents is working. Our task in 2010 is to connect more residents via block club events, walks, CAPS meetings, etc.

A plug for CAPS: these meetings are our primary networking vehicle. Please attend if only to get to know more neighbors. It's only 1 hour a month. AND trust me the "bad guys/gals" pay attention when blocks and neighbors are connected.

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, 09 to 08, in Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, M2M (Dec). Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests 2009 in Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Bernard:
One distinction of importance. Battery is broken up further into non-bodily injury and bodily injury requiring a trip to the hospital. All that is required is offensive physical conduct. Usually, the CPD will not arrest for assault. Assault is where someone is placed in fear of being attacked. Whether there will ever be a desire by CPD to arrest those who place a senior in reasonable fear of an attack is unclear.

Such activity can result in eventual battery and robbery, when teens or young adults test the limits of inappropriate conduct. I wonder how we as a group can interact with Jordan School and the school volunteers to present programs to kids on 'responsibility,' 'safety,' and crime!

This seems to be neglected. If a few 7th and 8th grade kids are hanging out before school smoking a joint, then what can we do to be realistic about the situation. I mean, a 'Reefer Madness Mentality' won't win over the kids. Alcohol in excess is not glamorous. Of course, both cigarettes and reefer contain tar, but convictions for possession or sale of the latter can create long term challenges.

I feel like the system encourages a rather ignorant way of addressing the laws. As an attorney, I appreciate the dilemma and the hypocrisy that exists. The CPD, as a matter of responsibility uses discretion, but must enforce the laws in a way that maintains the peace.

Ultimately, it relatively peaceful. Now, trying to get the word out and promoting activity that keeps crime down even lower will make a difference. Those who are bigoted or prejudice will too often be unreasonable in sounding an unreasonable alarm. That is not to say that vigiliance has its place. It is likely that vigiliance and communication will continue to have a positive effect, where we want it.

How many have stopped by the Caribbean Restaurant on Damen and Chase to order a meat pie? How many have stopped to order an Italian Beef at Sabrina's at Ridge and Howard? If we look at each area and determine its needs (i.e. lights on Damen near Caribbean), then people may begin to feel safer and their presence may prompt a more safe environment depending upon their mentality.

Has the alleged Sunday challenge to seniors near St. Margaret Mary's ended? My observations would suggest so. What was going on? Was there miscues or actual issues? Which Beat is west of Ridge and Chase?

Edited by author 12-09-2009 02:12 AM
Crime Stat Overview - November 2009

For the 11 months ended November 2009, reported crime incidents are down 1% as compared to 2008 in police beat 2424. This does not mean necessarily that crime is up or down, what it does mean is that fewer people are reporting crimes.

While overall reported crimes were noticeably down (28%) in November 2009, compared to the same month in 2008, they were up in the southern half of our beat.

Concern continues to focus on robbery and battery (aggravated, domestic, and other). Interestingly, while robberies are up for the year, thefts are down.

Robbery is defined as "The taking or attempting to take anything of value under confrontational circumstances.” The key term is “confrontational. Usually robbery involves a weapon (gun, knife, etc.). This category also includes vehicular hijacking.

Theft is defined as "The unlawful taking of property." Picket-pocketing, purse-snatching, and stealing from a retail establishment are examples of theft.

Battery is defined as "Causing bodily harm without legal justification." The definition varies slightly depending on whether a weapon is used (fists and feet can be defined as weapons if the injure is sufficiently severe). Sadly, domestic battery continues to be the leading form of battery calls in our area and much of the city.

Assault is the threat of battery or “placing someone in reasonable apprehension of a battery.” This is important. If you are threatened, this is assault. Being threatend is a 911 call. You will need to sign a complaint, unless police witness the assault, and go to court as a witness.

In November, we saw increases in domestic battery, but no aggravated battery (with a weapon), no change in simple battery. On the flip side, assault (aggravated and simple) is down.

Remember, whether on your block, downtown, or out of town be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 if you feel you might be in harms away or to report suspicious activity.

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, M2M (Nov). Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, YTD in Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, Nov. 09 in Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Norma McLennon and I are two of ten community representative volunteers for Area C, roughly the 2424 Network area. We area representatives form the local area structure for the participatory budget process instituted by Ald Joe Moore.
Whether you missed the meeting or were there, you can e-mail your ideas on needs in the 2424 area for the Alderman's discretionary construction and purchase budget to me at harvey.kahler@att.net, RE: ward budget.
The money can only be used for public improvements such as street and alley paving, sidewalk repairs, street lighting, intersection improvements and traffic signals, and playground and sports facilities to meet needs not otherwise funded. Park and school activities are not eligible.
* One need with wide support at the meeting was for intersection and traffic light improvements at Ridge-Touhy-Rogers.
* A convenient hazardous waste drop-off in the ward would make compliance with ordinances and the desire to live green easier.
* There was some consensus that objective measures would be needed to fairly evaluate proposed improvements.

Harvey Kahler

Edited by author 11-10-2009 12:22 AM
Crime Stat Overview - October 2009

For the 10 months ended October 2009, reported crime incidents are up 2% as compared to 2008 in police beat 2424. This does not mean necessarily that crime is up, what it does mean is that more people are reporting crimes.

Concern continues to focus on robbery and battery (aggravated, domestic, and other). Interestingly, while robberies are up, thefts are down.

Robbery is defined as "The taking or attempting to take anything of value under confrontational circumstances.” The key term is “confrontational. Usually robbery involves a weapon (gun, knife, etc.). This category also includes vehicular hijacking.

Theft is defined as "The unlawful taking of property." Picket-pocketing, purse-snatching, and stealing from a retail establishment are examples of theft.

In October we saw a spike in battery, domestic and aggravated (with a weapon). On the flip side, assault (the threat of battery, bodily harm) is down.

Remember, whether on your block, downtown, or out of town be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 if you feel you might be in harms away or to report suspicious activity.

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, YTD in Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap