Aldermen: Private Security Guards Could Curb Increasing Crime in Bucktown, Wicker Park

Two Chicago alderman want to bring private security guards to Wicker Park and Bucktown to help combat a recent uptick in criminal activity.

NBC reported that since May, about 1,700 crimes ranging from battery to arson have been reported in the area. The incidents led to just 200 arrests.

Those facts spurred talks on Friday among Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), Ald. Joe Moreno (1st) and community members, the story said. The two proposed a plan to use taxpayer dollars to bring security guards to the neighborhoods. The money would come from surplus Special Service Area funds.

"It's no different than snow removal, beautification or the other things that SSA does," Moreno said, according to the report. "I believe security is important, and it's important to augment it, not replace it."

A solution is expected to be reached this week.

Read the full story for additional details.