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