Chicago Police Say Logan Square Crime is Down

At the 14th District beat police community meeting March 8, Officer Craig Mallek shared Logan Square crime statistics, emphasizing decreases across almost all measures. Burglaries, robberies, and theft related to autos decreased by 32 percent versus the first two months of last year. The beat officers “are getting bored,” he joked.

Robberies saw the largest decrease, down 94 percent. Theft from autos went up by three versus last year, which was the only crime type reported to go up. This category includes any property stolen from inside or outside a car. Not included in the statistics shared were criminal trespassing, drinking-related arrests, and other “minor infractions,” according to the officers. The neighborhood has seen carjacking occur in the last couple of months, but officers said it is a very small number and auto theft has decreased.

Mallek offered several tips to residents to avoid being the victim of an auto crime:

•  Be aware of your surroundings. Many criminals approach from alleys
• Never leave the car running. Most auto thefts were people getting out “for just a minute”
• If possible, park in protected areas like garages. There is an uptick in catalytic converter theft citywide
• Don’t leave anything visible in a locked car, even if it’s in a bag

The 11 community attendees also brought up their own concerns, including increased truck traffic on Humboldt, challenges with bicycle riders on sidewalks and a man who loiters outside some of the bars openly selling cocaine. Officer Mallek and the team said they are committed to following up with the appropriate groups within the police department.

One resident asked about an article she had read highlighting gangs to the north of Logan Square. Mallek replied that “there used to be a lot more gang activity” but now it is going down. Even so, the police asked residents to report any graffiti—even if it’s not on their property—to CAPS.014District@chicagopolice.org. Pictures and exact locations help the officers monitor gang activity more closely, he added.

Mallek also promoted a Chicago Police program honoring Woman’s History Month. The department is asking folks to tweet themselves or others in uniform doing a Rosie the Riveter pose to @chicagocaps14.

The next beat community meeting will be May 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Logan Square Library, 3030 W. Fullerton Ave.