Overall Crime is Down Despite Recent Armed Robberies

Six armed robberies within two weeks of each other brought neighbors together Thursday night raise awareness around public safety. 

One was in Ravenswood while two others were near the borders of Northcenter and Roscoe Village. 

Similarities with the timings of the incidents and handgun description led police to believe its the same suspects each time. Most victims were leaving restaurants or taverns, said Sgt. Jason Clark with the 19th Police District. 

“We just need people to be more aware of where they’re leaving,” he said. “We want this crew badly.”

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Vehicle descriptions vary, but include a red, two-door Toyota, a beige sedan and a black Cheverolet. Clark told residents to call 911 on suspicious or unfamiliar vehicles seen idling outside restaurants.

About 45 people attended Thursday's meeting, held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Ravenswood. Jeffrey Gawel, president of the West Ravenswood Neighbors Association, organized the meeting with Clark and Jim Poole of Ward 47 Ald. Ameya Pawar's office. 

Poole encouraged residents to alert the ward office of police activity—both good and bad. 

 “We work very closely with CAPS to monitor crime levels in the ward,” he said. 

Despite the incidents, crime is down from 2012, Clark said. In Beat 1912—which runs from Damen to Clark, Lawrence to Irving Park—robberies are down 25 percent, burglaries down 45 percent and theft down 14 percent.

Theft is still the most common crime in the neighborhood, Clark said. So far this year, residents have reported just over 100 thefts. That's compared to a total of 230 thefts in 2012. 

Bikes, phones and mail packages are stolen the most, according to the sergeant. 

“If you have a package on your porch, you’ve just invited them on your property,” he said. 

Phones, particularly iPhones, are attractive to theives because of their value. Clark warned residents to put their phones away or use a Bluetooth device while talking. 

“You are in a good neighborhood, you’re in a safe neighborhood, but this stuff still happens,” he said.