Crime Is Not Increasing In Tinley Park: Police Chief

TINLEY PARK, IL — Tinley Park's police department sent a message this week to residents to assure them that crime is not spiking in the village.

It comes after several high-profile incidents, including smash-and-grab burglaries on the 4th of July.

Tinley Park Police Chief Matthew Walsh said that while crimes have happened, they aren't happening at higher rate. The speed of social media helps to magnify the news, he said. “I just want to alleviate concerns that crime has spiked recently in Tinley Park – it hasn’t,” Walsh wrote.

Walsh sent the note out in Thursday's newsletter.

Here's the text, courtesy of the Village of Tinley Park:

"The Tinley Park Police Department has made a concerted effort throughout the past few years be more transparent and make information more readily available to residents. From the monthly Coffee with a Cop events to the Neighborhood Watch program to the Public Safety Facebook page, the police department is committed to making sure residents know what is going on in their community.

Because more information is being shared, however, it may appear as if Tinley Park has seen an increase in crime. Residents should take comfort in knowing that Tinley Park remains a safe town, with crime rates that are equal to or lesser than other surrounding communities.

“Incidents of crime have been consistent over the last five years, but people may be hearing about them more now because they are more readily available on social media,” Tinley Park Police Chief Matthew Walsh said. “I just want to alleviate concerns that crime has spiked recently in Tinley Park – it hasn’t.”

Walsh said the best way to prevent theft is to lock your cars, homes, garages and lockers, as criminals want an easy score and will more often than not move on if the car or home is locked."

Learn more at TinleyPark.org/Police.