CHICAGO — A coalition of neighborhood groups is calling on city and Cook County officials to address “dramatic increases in violent crime,” especially armed robberies, in West Town, Logan Square, Wicker Park, and adjoining neighborhoods.
Sam Royko, who ran an unsuccessful campaign against Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1st) last year, tweeted a copy of the letter he said was sent to local alderpersons, Cook County commissioners, the Cook County state’s attorney’s office, and Mayor Brandon Johnson.
The letter claims that areas like Logan Square saw a 469% increase in armed robberies in August compared to last year.
Among the actions the group wants elected officials to undertake:
- providing a “strategic plan and roadmap to reduce crime and increase public safety as soon as possible.”
- reevaluating Chicago police district boundaries and asset allocations
- “Review the current [Chicago Police Department] chase policy to establish safe and effective means of apprehending violent perpetrators.”
- releasing data showing the effectiveness of violence prevention and intervention programs
- expedite the installation of police surveillance cameras and license plate reader technology.
A wide range of neighborhood community organizations support the letter, which Royko signed on behalf of the Greater West Town Community Coalition.
The organization will host a press conference next week with Ald. Gil Villegas (36th) to publicly call on the city and county to take action.
Here is the full letter:
