14-Feb-22 – Crime remains a chief concern among residents and businesses of Lincoln Park, according to aldermen at a Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce meeting earlier this month.

During a 90-minute virtual “State of the Wards” meeting on February 2, 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack called for Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and Circuit Court Chief Justice Timothy Evans to change their policies.

“I think a lot of us would like to see a much stronger response to the crime issues that are happening, at the judges’ level and in the state’s attorney’s office,” said Waguespack (left).

In addition to harsher sentences for serious crimes, Waguespack believes less serious offenders should be sentenced to more rigorous community service. For example, in recent years, graffiti, says Waguespack, has “exploded” in the 32nd Ward, and a community service program used in the ward should be adopted citywide.

“We get taggers and some of the other misdemeanor offenders, as well as some of the less serious felony-related incidents, and we go before the judges and ask for those people to be sentenced to community service...of 50 or 100 hours,” he said.

Lengthy community service, Waguespack believes, provides a strong deterrent to repeat offenders and it helps them “give something back” to the community.

Waguespack also says he has asked Governor J.B. Pritzker for help from the state to respond to a “dramatic increase in crime” in Chicago.

“We talked about the crime issues, trying to get more cameras, more state police, and really focusing on the issues that the Chicago Police Department needs help on from the state side,” Waguespack said.

43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith said the increase in violent crime has been “shocking” to residents.

While the 43rd Ward generally has had lower crime rates than surrounding areas, Smith says there was a spike in crime in December.

“That was just terrible and uncharacteristic of the neighborhood,” said Smith (right). “We had a string of carjackings and armed robberies that was just unacceptable.”

Smith praised Chicago Police Department detectives for connecting a series of carjackings to the same band of criminals.

“I have to say we moved very decisively and quickly to end it. There has been significant detective work that has proven the spate of carjackings here and in Lakeview have absolutely been related,” she said.

Smith says it’s imperative that local businesses and residents cooperate with police and remain vigilant. Lincoln Park, she says, should be “an unpopular area to come to for those who want to commit crimes.”

Hopkins promotes postcard campaign to demand accountability

2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, meanwhile, has asked his constituents to send postcards to Foxx and Evans, expressing concerns for safety in downtown neighborhoods.

“It has become apparent that many of the recent carjackers, armed robbers, and shoplifters, if apprehended, are not being held accountable for their actions, resulting in repeated criminal acts,” wrote Hopkins (left) in his February 7 newsletter. “State’s Attorney Kim Foxx and Chief Judge Evans are too lenient and they need to hear from their constituents.”

Hopkins says retail theft and carjackings are “ongoing issues” in the 2nd Ward.

“I have talked to many witnesses and victims about their experiences and understand the level of trauma the community has been experiencing,” he said.

Though patrols in downtown neighborhoods have increased, Hopkins expressed frustration with how offenders are treated after they are caught. He says carjackers and armed robbers are frequently let go on personal recognizance bonds that do not need to be paid before the offender is released.

“Offenders under the age of 18 are asked to watch a video on ‘how to be a better person’ and then released. All too often they are back to committing the same crimes within days as there are no real consequences for their actions,” he said.

He says offenders under the age of 18 should be sentenced to at least 50 hours of community service, and rehabilitation programs should be incorporated for all offenders.

Hopkins suggests constituents describe to Foxx and Evans their firsthand experiences pertaining to safety in their neighborhood, and business owners explain how crime has affected their business.

“Retailers are starting to leave our neighborhood due to an increase in retail theft,” said Hopkins. “This often signals the start of a neighborhood in decline.”