Anti-Crime Push In Oswego Township Yields Over 200 Tickets, 80 Arrests

OSWEGO, IL — Multiple local law enforcement agencies have come together to target increasing crime in the Oswego Township area.

The Kendall County Sheriff's Office partnered with the Oswego and Montgomery police departments and Illinois State Police to target patrols in the Oswego Township and Boulder Hill areas to prevent and respond to the anticipated uptick in crime as summer approaches, according to a news release. Officials said the Kendall County State's Attorney's Office also supports the initiative.

The crime suppression effort was developed after Undersheriff Bobby Richardson and County Board Chairman Matt Kellogg discussed addressing "the rising criminal activity already observed this year and the seasonal increase in incidents often associated with warmer weather."

In the past four weeks since the initiative has been active, officers' efforts have resulted in 310 traffic stops, 81 arrests or summons, 210 citations, two recovered stolen vehicles, one recovered unlawfully possessed firearm, one driving under the influence arrest and multiple drug offenses, the sheriff's office said.

Richardson said his top priority is the safety and well-being of the community, a sentiment shared by the Kendall County Board.

“In a conversation with Chairman Kellogg, we discussed the best ways to address the concerning trends we have seen and often see as summer approaches," he said in a statement. "With the support of community stakeholders and local law enforcement leadership, we were able to make this initiative a reality. This is a great example of Kendall County's law enforcement agencies working collaboratively toward a common goal. Without the strong relationships we’ve built and the willingness of these agencies to collaborate, initiatives like this would not be possible."

Kellogg echoed Richardson in his statement: "Public safety is a top priority for our board, and this initiative demonstrates what’s possible when law enforcement and local government come together for the good of the community. I commend Undersheriff Richardson and all our partner agencies for taking proactive steps to keep our neighborhoods safe as we head into the summer months."