Residents Demand More Police, Stricter Charges After Carjackings

CHICAGO — Bucktown, Wicker Park and Logan Square residents can expect increased police patrols, additional cameras and aldermen intervention in response to a recent uptick in carjackings on the West Side, officials said Tuesday night.

Over 100 people from the area showed up to a community meeting with aldermen and Chicago Police Department officers at Churchill Park to share their experiences and concerns.

According to Commander Elizabeth Collazo, police will start patrols earlier in the night and conduct routine seatbelt checks so potential offenders know cops are in the area.

Police records indicate there were eight carjackings in the neighborhood in just a one week span from Sept. 13 - 20.

In addition to increased police presence and patrol, drivers said they were worried carjackers and attempted carjackers were being released after being charged with a misdemeanor or a "slap on the wrist," one audience member said.

Aldermen from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd ward in attendance vowed to take a look at state and local laws to determine what would make felony charges possible.

Police recommended those who were victims of a carjacking or those who see anything "suspicious" around their neighborhood call 9-1-1 immediately. Collazo said people should also resist fighting back against carjackers and instead surrender their vehicle and call for police.