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Vol. 15, No. 5
Residents alerted to burglary patterns
Decrease reported in crimes against persons Crimes against persons in the Hyde Park-South Kenwood neighborhood decreased 21 percent during the first 10 months of the year, compared with the same time period in 1994, and property crimes increased 22 percent, according to a report by the South East Chicago Commission. A 36 percent increase in burglaries and a 40 percent rise in thefts from autos produced the increase in property crimes.The University Police Department has increased patrols, and Chicago police have assigned officers to concentrate on burglary patterns in the neighborhood.
Police are seeking the person or persons responsible for a series of 14 residential break-ins that occurred between Sept. 26 and Oct. 11 in the area between 50th and 54th streets and Greenwood and Kimbark avenues. Entry to the apartments was gained by prying open rear entrance doors. The break-ins have occurred while residents were away from home.
Between Oct. 2 and Oct. 28, 14 burglaries were reported in the area between 53rd and 56th streets and Cornell and Everett avenues. Entry was gained to residential apartments by forcing rear entry doors or breaking rear windows.
Police are also investigating a series of five reported burglaries between 56th and 57th streets and Drexel and Ingleside avenues. Entry to the residences was gained by prying rear doors.
Residents are urged to report suspicious activity to police. Most burglary arrests result from a neighbor's call to police, said Robert Mason, Executive Director of SECC.
Sexual assaults increased by 28 percent during the first 10 months of the year. Eighteen sexual assaults have been reported in the neighborhood, compared with 14 during the same time period in 1994. Seven of the 18 sexual assaults reported this year were committed by persons known to the victims. Two sexual assaults in 1995 involved University-affiliated persons. Arrests were made in nine cases, and police are awaiting results of DNA testing before charging a suspect in a rape/robbery case reported in May of this year.
Homicides decreased 80 percent thus far this year. One homicide was recorded in the community in 1995, compared with five in the first 10 months of 1994.
While robberies in the community have declined 23 percent as of Oct. 31, people should continue to practice common-sense crime-prevention techniques, such as remaining alert and aware of surroundings and walking with one or more companions, Mason said.