Beat 2431 News - Rogers Park 24th Police District

Mayne Stage -- former Morse Theatre -- to open in June

Mayne Stage, the beautiful music club at 1328 W. Morse formerly known as the Morse Theater, will open in June with live music acts.

From the press release:

It will be called Mayne Stage and will showcase national and local acts and provide rehearsal and recording space. It also said a restaurant called Act One Cafe will be on the property at 1328 W. Morse and will open in late May.

The Morse Theatre is owned by a business controlled by billionaire James Pritzker.

The is good news that can only help further stabilize the neighborhood.

Man injured in gang-related shooting

One person was shot in the back around 4:30 pm on March 17 on the 6900 block of N. Greenview, said a 24th District CAPS officer, in what he called a gang-on-gang shooting. The victim was reported to be in stable condition on March 18.

Both the victim and assailant reportedly were teen-agers, but police refused to confirm or deny that report.

Chicago Police Area 3 detectives were interviewing witnesses and distributing fliers in the area, encouraging anyone with information about the shooting to call 312-744-8261. Additional police patrols saturated the area in the days following the shooting.

The shooting came in the wake of much violence across the city as the weather warmed up mid-week.

Morse streetscape project starts in April; meeting March 24 has details

The long-awaited and much-delayed Morse streetscape project is finally slated to begin this spring, said 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore in a e-mail to constituents. He has scheduled a meeting for 7 pm on Wednesday, March 24, at United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse, to review details of the plan with the community.

Here's is Moore's e-mail announcement:

Morse and Glenwood to Receive Facelift This Year

Dear Neighbor,

I'm pleased to report that construction will begin this spring on the long-awaited Morse-Glenwood streetscape project.  The project encompasses Morse Avenue from Ashland to Wayne and Glenwood Avenue from Lunt to Farwell on both sides of the elevated tracks.

I am hosting a community meeting with the Rogers Park Business Alliance to present the plans and outline the construction schedule.  The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 24th, 7:00 p.m. at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse, 3rd Floor.  Representatives of the City of Chicago Department of Transportation will be on hand to answer your questions.   

New streetlights, sidewalks and planter boxes will grace Morse and Glenwood.  In addition, Morse Avenue will be resurfaced and the sidewalks on Glenwood will be widened for greater pedestrian access.  The brick pavers that now exist on the western side of Glenwood will remain in the traffic lanes.

The $4 million streetscape is funded by $1.6 million in city of Chicago funds and $2.4 million in federal funds secured by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.

Community residents were instrumental in selecting the streetscape design and elements.  I would like to thank the volunteers of the Morse Avenue Streetscape Committee, who worked tirelessly on this project, as well as all the neighborhood residents who attended community meetings to offer their input.

This has been a very long process, made even longer by the reviewing requirements that came attached with the federal dollars.  But our patience will be rewarded by this summer's end with a new and more appealing appearance for both Morse and Glenwood.

Please don't hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions.  You may reply to this e-mail or call my office at 773-338-5796.

March 2010 beat meeting notes: burglary task force, bad buildings team

A speaker from the city's Troubled Buildings Unit told attendees at the March Beat 2431 meeting how her team works on bad buildings throughout the city.

Sgt. Cassandra Bradshaw said the best way to improve a bad building is to involve the police and the owner. She said that unfortunately, sometimes the building owner doesn't know criminal activity may have taken over a building. That's why it's important for neighbors to watch for signs of trouble, such as open doorways, loitering outside the building, or constant traffic to a particular apartment. She urged those who see such signs to call her unit at 312-745-6231.

A local building manager warned of people loitering around a secure gate, trying to enter behind a tenant with a key. Also, citizens were warned about buzzing in someone you don't know.

About 25 people, including half a dozen officers, attended the March meeting. Police reported that the following were the Top 10 crimes on the beat in February 2010:

1. Criminal damage to vehicle -- 6
2. Theft from building -- 3
3. Criminal trespass to land -- 3
4. Armed robbery with a handgun -- 2
5. Strong-armed robbery, no weapon (mugging) -- 2
6. Domestic battery, simple -- 2
7. Simple assault -- 2
8. Theft, $300 and under -- 2
9. Narcotics, possession of cannabis, 30 grams or less -- 2
10. Criminal sexual assault (domestic-related) -- 1

Citizens discussed the four robberies. The police noted there were eight recent arrests in the area for robbery, and hoped those arrests would result in fewer future robberies. There was one robbery in January.

Police also noted that they are increasing patrols along the Red Line north of Thorndale after noticing a pattern of home burglaries near stations. They speculate that perpetrators are "commuting" to work on the Far North Side and using the Red Line as a convenient escape route.

CAPS Sgt. Joseph Delgado discussed way to stop burglaries. In particular, he asked citizens to watch out for people either parked or double-parked in cars, just looking around. He noted tips to watch for in the fliers "Eight things a burglar won't tell you" and "Thirteen things your burglar won't tell you."

A neighbor from the 1500 block of Pratt noted that the kids hanging out at Pratt and Bosworth lately seemed to be older and possibly better organized. Police suggested they might just look older, but are of high school age. Pat Kenny, beat facilitator with Beat 2432 directly to the south of 2431, said the new CHA manager of the scattered site housing at Pratt and Bosworth has been extremely responsive to beat concerns. She's installed new fencing, better lighting, and has a security car patrolling there. Kenny noted that community walks around that area had been successful in the past. He said he would inform Beat 2431 if walks are scheduled in the future.

Police said a traffic stop at Morse and Paulina resulted in the seizure of 122 grams of marijuana and the arrest of a man, who had rolled through the stop sign at the intersection.

Finally, a representative of 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore's office announced a community is scheduled for 7 pm Wednesday, March 24, at the United Church of Rogers Park to discuss the Morse Avenue streetscape project, scheduled to get under way this spring.

She also mentioned voting on the alderman's participatory budgeting project would take place at Chicago Math and Science Academy, 7212 N. Clark St., from 9 am till 3 pm on Saturday, April 10.

The April beat meeting is scheduled for 7 pm Monday, April 19, at the Rogers Park Community Council, 1530 W. Morse.

Spring to-dos: Keep gutters and sewers clear; report graffiti

Gene Rehmert, a CAPS volunteer in Beat 2432, sent the following reminder to his friends in Beat 2432. Of course, this is true for all beats and neighborhoods. Thanks for sharing, Gene.

Now that spring is approaching, there are a couple of things we should be aware of that can help the community deal with Spring weather and activity.

In Spring, the precipitation changes from snow to rain. There are a few things we all can do to help the sewer system accommodate the water.

First, pick ups trash in the gutter and along the parkway that might block sewer grates.  Plastic shopping bags and flattened plastic soda bottles are particular problems.  I know many people thing that street cleaning is the responsibility of the city, but street sweepers are just starting up, and if the streets are flooded, it will be our problem first.

Second, when you park your car on the street in the evening, it is a good idea to take a second to see if any of your tires are standing on a sewer grate.  If there is a heavy rain and the grate is partially blocked by a tire, it will be easier for trash or leaves to block the remainder of the grate making it much less effective.  If your car happens to be over the grate, it is also on the low spot of the street, and most susceptible to flooding.

This item has to do with graffiti.  Spring is when the artistic urges of many come to the surface with a desire to decorate a garage, fence or street sign with paint or grease pencils.  Our neighborhood has been particularly hard hit this year with graffiti stretching all the way to Howard.  If you see graffiti, please take the time to report it to 311 or your local alderman's office.  The operator will want to know the address, the type of surface it is on, and approximately how high off the ground it is.  You do not have to leave your name when making this kind of report.  If your property is the target of the tagging, please get it cleaned off as soon as possible.  Graffiti has a way of attracting more graffiti if it is left displayed for long.

--Gene Rehmert

Next Beat 2431 meeting is Monday, March 15

Our next CAPS meeting for Beat 2431 is set for 7 pm on Monday, March 15, at 1530 W. Morse.

We'll discuss crime problems in the beat and the latest beat news, including news about the Morse Avenue Streetscape coming this summer.

Alderman Moore supports zoning change for proposed bar/restaurant on Morse

Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward) recently announced that he supports a zoning change to allow Alex Samardzija to open a bar/restaurant at 1412 W. Morse Ave.

Here's the text of his announcement, made on March 3:

Dear Neighbor,

I sponsored a community meeting last January on a proposal for a zoning change and special use permit to allow for a restaurant and bar in the commercial space of the new building at 1412 W. Morse.

The proposal was met with overwhelming support at the community meeting, which over 40 community residents attended, and in e-mails sent to my office.  My Zoning and Land Use Advisory Committee recommended I support the proposal, as well.  Accordingly, I have decided to support the zoning change and special use permit.

The owner of the building at 1412 W. Morse, Alex Samrdzija, will be the proprietor of the proposed new business, which will be similar to Xippo, a restaurant and bar that Mr. Samrdzija owns in Lincoln Square at 3759 N Damen.

The property at 1412 W. Morse currently is zoned B3-3.  A zoning change to C1-3 will be required because no tavern may exist within 400 feet of another tavern in a B zone.  A special use permit is also required to allow for seven off-site parking spaces.  If Mr. Samrdzija receives the requested zoning change and special use permit, he will then be eligible to apply for a tavern license.

A few individuals have expressed concern about allowing another business to apply for a liquor license in the Morse/Glenwood area.  While I understand their concern, Morse Avenue needs more quality businesses, especially in the evening hours when most of the stores are closed and dark.  A vibrant tavern and restaurant on the block, with large windows facing the street and a sidewalk cafe in the warm months, will bring more positive activity on the street and drive away the negative elements that remain.

One need look no further than Jarvis Square where my ward office is located.  While certainly Charmers Cafe and Gruppo di Amici have helped to transform the area, the Irish pub, Poitin Stil, is the only business open late at night in Jarvis Square.  Even though they are a tavern only, Poitin Stil's late-night presence has created a safe welcoming environment that has driven away the last remaining drug dealers and loiterers that remained on the block.

If Mr. Samrdzija and his family have a twenty-year track record of running a nearly identical bar and restaurant in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.  My office and I contacted both the local alderman and the local police district, and both indicated to me and my office that they have had no problems with the Samrdzija family business.  The City's Department of Business Affairs confirmed that the Samrdzija family business has a clean record with no license suspensions or revocations.

This was confirmed by several Rogers Park residents who attended the community meeting and who used to live near Mr. Samrdzija's business in Lincoln Square.  They related they experienced no problems with his establishment, and supported his plans to open up a similar bar and restaurant on Morse Avenue.

Finally, it's in Mr. Samrdzija's own self-interest to run a clean establishment.  He owns 16 condominium units in the same building that he wishes to rent and evenutally sell when the market eventually turns around.  It's not in his financial interest to run a noisy and disruptive business that would drive away his renters and potential purchasers.

If you have any questions or further comments, please reply to this e-mail or call my office at 773-338-5796.

Sincerely,

Joe Moore

Notes for February 2010 Beat 2431 meeting

Under the threat of 12 inches of snow, about a dozen citizens attended the Feb. 8 Beat 2431 meeting. In addition, five police officers attended, including 24th District Cmdr. Michael Wick.

Police reported that the following were the Top 10 crimes on the beat in January 2010:

1. Domestic battery, simple -- 11
2. Criminal damage to vehicle -- 6; hint: don't leave valuable in your auto to tempt thieves
3. Simple battery -- 4
4. Simple assault -- 3
5. Theft over $300 -- 3
6. Motor vehicle theft -- 3
7. Possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis -- 3
8. Theft under $300 -- 2
9. Theft from building -- 2
10. Robbery with a handgun -- 1

Police noted that a man who lives on our beat was arrested in January and charged with robbery with a handgun, though not the crime noted above.

In January, there were 20 arrests made on the beat, and 360 district-wide. There were a total a 750 calls for service on the beat, compared to 11,302 district-wide. 

Sgt. John Delgado shared some tips on how not to become a victim. He reminded people to always beware of their surroundings, especially while talking on a cell phone or listening to an MP3 player. Try to walk in well-lit areas, walk in groups if possible, and avoid alleys.

A neighbor from the 1100 block of W. Morse reminded police that spring is just a couple of months away, and asked them to stay in front of the homeless problem. Homeless people often camp out in Loyola Park and intimidate park-goers, including children. He said the police and 49th Wark Ald. Joe Moore were both helpful in the fall in alleviating the problem.

The meeting ended with a reminder that meetings for the rest of the year will occur on the regular schedule -- the third Monday of the month. The next meeting is March 15. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.

Beat meeting set for Monday, Feb. 8

CAPS Beat 2431 will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 pm Monday, Feb. 8, at the office of Rogers Park Community Council, 1530 W. Morse.

If you can't make it to the meeting check back later in the week for a recap on this blog.

EveryBlock has the latest crime news

This is just a reminder that EveryBlock.com has all the latest crime news about Beat 2431 or any area in the city.

Police camera installed at Greenview and Morse

A blinking blue light camera was installed this week on the light pole at the northwest corner of Morse and Greenview. At the November beat meeting, a resident in a building at that corner had reported witnessing drug dealing, and police made an arrest there in December.

Betsy Vandercook, the chief of staff for 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore, wrote me earlier in the week that a camera was slated to be installed there "based on an analysis of emerging crime trends and intelligence."

Workshop set for Jan. 23 on troubled buildings, gang awareness

All community members are invited to the next Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy workshop. This workshop will entail in depth discussions on burglary "Keepin It Real", troubled buildings, and gang awareness by the pros in these crime areas.

No reservation needed. For more information contact the CAPS Project Office at 312-945-5907.

Date: Saturday, January 23, 2010
Time: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Location: 3510 S. Michigan Avenue

Most residents support zoning change for bar/restaurant on Morse

About 35 residents from around Morse Avenue heard Alex Samardzija explain his plans to bring a bar/restaurant to the new commercial space at 1412 W. Morse. These plans would require a zoning change from B3-3 to C1 because there is another tavern within 400 feet. So 49th Ward Alderman hosted the community meeting to get feedback on the plans.

Judging from comments made, those in attendance overwhelmingly support the development and required zoning change. About 15 people spoke in favor of the bar/restaurant concept, while two neighbors opposed it.

Samardzija said the unnamed bar would be very similar to his other bar/restaurant in Lincoln Square at Damen and Grace called Xippo. The decor would be modern, seating about 50-60 people. He will serve a light fare -- paninis and salads priced from $5 to $10. He also expect to feature acoustic music. Samardzija sid his family has been in the bar and restaurant business in Chicago for 40 years. Alex himself is a real estate developer who has been working in the 49th Ward for about 10 years. He built the 16-unit mixed use development at 1412-14 W. Morse three years. It is now all rentals until the condo market turns around.

Here is a sampling of comments from the audience: "We need something like on Morse." - "We need sidewalk traffic on Morse and this will bring it." - "We can make our neighborhood safer by having more people spend their dollars here." One person described Xippo as having a "lovely, understated decor -- like out of Crate and Barrel II."

A person who opposed it said there are enough taverns in the area, and said she has seen problems with taverns in mixed-use buildings. Samardzija said there would be a a restaurant focus here rather than a bar focus. He wants the tavern license so he can keep food costs lower and serve liquor after the kitchen closes. Samardzija said he would employ 12-16 people.

Alderman Moore said folks could still comment on the zoning change via email or by calling his office at 773-338-5796.

Serious crime and overall crime in beat drop 20% in 2009, compared to 2008

Index crime in Beat 2431 fell by almost 20% in 2009 compared to 2008, according to the latest crime stats released at the January beat meeting. Overall, there were 63 fewer index crimes in 2009 compared to 2008 -- 261 vs. 324.

Total crime in the beat dropped 20.1% in 2009 over 2008. That improves greatly on the 2008 figure of a 4.5% reduction in overall crime compared to 2007. Overall there were 78 crimes on the beat in 2009, compared to 983 in 2008 -- a drop of 198 crimes. 

Index crime increased in 2008 vs. 2007 bu 2.2%. So that's a swing of more than 22 percentage points, comparing 2009 to 2008 index crimes.

Theft and car theft dropped the most among index crimes in 2009 over 2008. There were 28.1% fewer thefts (120 vs. 167), and 50% fewer auto thefts (14 vs. 28). There was a slight increase in both burglaries and robberies -- 3 more burglaries (50 in 2009 vs. 47 in 2008) and 2 more robberies (44 vs. 42). 

Simple domestic battery is the second highest crime category in the beat after theft. And there was a slight increase in domestic battery in 2009 vs. 2008 -- 71 vs. 67. Simple assault is the next most common crime, and its prevalence dropped in 2009 by 18% -- 67 vs. 78 in 2008.

Incidents of narcotics use dropped in 2009 over 2008. In 2009 there were a total of 93 vs. 130 in 2008, for a 28.5% decrease. Possession of 30 grams of marijuana was by far the biggest drug crime in the beat. There were 61 incidents vs. 77 in 2008, an almost 21% reduction.

In 2008, index crime increased 2.2% over 2007, while overall crime dropped 4.5%.

In 2007, index crime dropped almost 12% compared to 2006.

Minutes from Jan. 11, 2010, beat meeting

About a dozen hardy Beat 2431 residents and business owners braved cold weather and heard good news that crime on the beat was down about 20% in 2009 compared to 2008.

Index crime (eight crime categories - homicide, criminal sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and battery, burglary, theft, car theft and arson) was down 19.4% in 2009 over 2008. Non-index crime was down 20.5%, and crime overall dropped 20.1% in 2009 compared to 2008. See this post for more details.

Police reported that the following were the Top 10 crimes on the beat in December 2009:

1. Domestic battery, simple -- 9
2. Simple battery -- 5
3. Simple assault -- 4
4. Burglary by orcible entry -- 4
5. Possession of 30 grams or less of cannabis -- 4
6. Criminal trespass to land -- 3
7. Possession of crack cocaine -- 3
8. Aggravated assault, dangerous weapon -- 2
9. Theft over $300 -- 2
10. Theft from building -- 2

There were 38 arrests in December. Police noted there were two arrests for robbery in the area. One person was arrested and charged with three robberies/muggings, while another juvenile was expected to be charged with up to 13 open robbery cases.

Some of the robberies occurred around the Lunt exit of the Morse El stop. And often, the perpetrators would target victims with iPhones. Police were hopeful these arrests would reduce the number of robberies in the area.

Cmdr. Michael Wick of the 24th District told attendees that a burglary bike mission team was working in the area.He also mentioned that an Area Three midnight Tactical Unit had begun operations. One mission was in response to a complaint at the November beat meeting from the owner of the Glenwood Bar about a patron being mugged. The team targeted the area and made an arrest for robbery.

Also, a narcotics arrest was made at Morse and Greenview after complaints of drug dealing at 6957 N. Greenview were made at the November beat meeting.

Bottom line: bring your crime problem to the beat meeting and police will give it top priority.

Two neighbors reported problems with drug dealing and general nuisance-making at 6812 N. Ashland. A resident noted there were almost 300 calls for service to that address in the last 18 months. It was suggested he work with Alderman Joe Moore and his office to arrange a meeting with the building owner, Willie Barker.

Under general announcements, we noted that the Morse Theater was due to reopen under new management and a new name: Mayne Stage and Act One Cafe.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm. The February meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 8, a 7 pm at 1530 W. Morse.

New Year's resolution: Update this blog frequently with beat and neighborhood news

A new year, and a new decade begin with a New Year's resolution to do a much better job on posting beat and neighborhood news here. It won't be difficult to improve, since the last post was late in January in 2009.

So that is my resolve. Post more.

-Kevin O'Neil, Beat 2431 facilitator

Soo Liquors hearing: Must continue to monitor the good progress

Following are minutes from the Soo Liquors Community Meeting on Jan. 13 before the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection; written by Beat 2431 co-facilitator Jayne Hoffman.

Soo Liquors Hearing
Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 11:00 – 11:35 am
Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP)
City Hall, Room 805

Hearing Officer: Shawn Burnett Whittaker

Attendees: Attorney for Soo Liquors, Rene Camargo (DevCorp North), Jay (Soo Liquors), Officer Norma Guerrero (CPD), Jayne Hoffman (CAPS 2431), Alicia Lopez (49th Ward), John (Rogers Park citizen)

Comments from the Community: Jayne Hoffman began the session stating that loitering and gang activity overall are down along the 1400 block of Morse Avenue, but pointed out that winter weather must be considered a factor in the decrease of activities.

Hoffman commended Soo Liquors, 1420 W. Morse, on two points:

• The recent decrease in criminal activity was also due to Soo Liquors’ participation in safety actions, such as calling 911 and implementation of cameras and lighting at the store.

• Jay attended the CAPS 2431 Beat meeting on January 12, 2009 with the owner of Morse L Liquors, which shows participation in CAPS program by the two retailers. Hoffman emphasized that Soo Liquors must maintain diligence in its efforts to help keep loitering and gang activities away from the store when the weather warms in order to help the community continue increasing safety, and later added that she would like to see Soo Liquors’ management expand its relations with other businesses and community constituents.

Rene Camargo stated that he would help Soo Liquors implement improvements inside and outside the store if they were willing. Camargo also suggested that Soo Liquors consider increasing the quality of wine and liquors to meet the needs of the changing clientele coming into the neighborhood due to an advent of new restaurants and entertainment establishments. A citizen suggested that Soo may want to collaborate with Los Portales restaurant who may offer a “bring your own” policy.

Officials from Alderman Moore’s office, Chicago Police Department and one Rogers Park citizen all noted that the 1400 block of Morse Avenue is much quieter and easier to get around. Officer Guerrero stated that emergency calls were down in November and December demonstrating substantial improvements in that area. Guerrero pointed out that some 911 calls were made from Soo Liquors, which demonstrates that the retailer is actively participating in safety measures.

Response: Soo Liquors’ attorney responded that Soo Liquors would sustain the level of diligence to continue with community safety efforts. Counsel asked the BACP for an extension of the next hearing into the summer because of the good results found here today.

Wrap Up: Officer Whittaker responded positively about the progress in thwarting criminal activity, and said the winter weather is a significant factor. Whittaker directed Soo Liquors that as the weather warms continued diligence on their part is warranted and that Soo Liquors should seriously consider suggestions about upgrades and collaborating with other businesses. Whittaker moved the next hearing from April to May in response to the request by Soo Liquors’ Counsel, and scheduled it for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.

Total crime in 2431 drops 4.5% in 2008 over 2007; index crime up 2.2%

In 2008, there were 46 fewer total criminal acts in Beat 2431 compared to 2007 -- 967 in 2008 as opposed to 1,013 in 2007. That represents a 4.5% decrease. (Beat 2431 is bounded by Pratt Avenue on the south (6800 North), Lunt Street on the north (7000 North), Clark Street on the West (1700 West) and the lake on the east.)

Meanwhile index crime increased slightly over 2007 -- there were 7 more victims in 2008 compared to 2007, with 323 in 2008 vs. 316 in 2007 -- a 2.2% increase.

There were five more criminal sexual assaults in 2008 than in 2007. There were 6 "non-aggravated sexual assaults" in 2008, and none in 2007.  A sergeant at the January Beat 2431 meeting explained that "non-aggravated sexual assaults" charges usually are made in cases where the victim knows the offender.

Meanwhile, there were 9 fewer robberies in 2008 (42 vs. 51) and 7 fewer thefts ( 165 vs. 172).

Aggravated assaults and batteries rose by 7 (34 vs. 27), burglaries increased by 5 (46 vs. 41), and there were 5 more auto thefts (28 vs. 23). There was 1 arson (at the Morse Theater) in 2008, none in 2007.

Non-index crimes down 7.6%

While index assault and battery increased last year, non-index assault and battery dropped by 12% (215 vs. 245). This category showed a large drop in simple domestic battery (31.2%, 66 incidents vs. 96), and in simple assault (21.2%, 78 vs. 99).

Narcotics-related incidents fell almost 17%, from 156 in 2007 to 130 in 2008. In the final catch-all category of "other non-index crimes," we saw a slight increase of 1% -- 299 in 2008 vs. 296 in 2007.

There were 53 fewer non-index crime incidents in 2008 vs. 2007 -- 644 vs. 697, a 7.6% decrease.

(Note: Beat 2431 runs from Clark and Pratt to Lunt and Clark on the west, and the Lake and Pratt and the Lake and Lunt on the east.

Index crime in 24th District dips 1.9% in 2008; total crime drops 3.2%

The 24th Police District saw total crime drop by more than 3% in 2008, while index crime fell almost 2%, according to police reports distributed at the District Advisory Committee meeting in January.

In 2008, there were 4,812 total index crimes, compared to 4,907 in 2007 --  a 1.94% decrease.

Less serious, non-index crime fell to 7,851 in 2008, against 8,171 in 2007 -- a 3.92% drop.

Combining those totals, the 24th District saw a drop of 415 total crimes in 2008 compared to 2007 -- with 12,663 in 2008 against 13,078 in 2007. That's a 3.17 decrease.

Here's a snapshot of the details from an Excel worksheet:

 

First Beat 2431 meeting of the year: Jan. 12, 2009

The first beat meeting for Beat 2431 will be held at 7 pm on Monday, Jan. 12, at the Rogers Park Community Council office, 1530 W. Morse.

Agenda items include a review of the 2008 crime stats in the beat and a discussion of overall beat goals and strategies for 2009.

Note that both the January and February meetings occur on the second Monday of the month, not the usual third Monday, because of federal and state holidays occurring on the third Mondays of those months.

You can view meeting dates for the whole year here.