Community Alert
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Dear Fellow Villagers,
We want to inform you of three recent crimes, one that occurred in Roscoe Village, the other two, nearby.
Just before 5 p.m. on Friday, November 20, a silver Toyota bumped into a silver Honda Elantra on the 3300 block of North Hoyne. After the owner of the Honda exited his vehicle, a woman entered the driver’s side and sped away as the Toyota fled westbound on School Street. No description of the perpetrators was available.
The second incident occurred approximately 90 minutes later, a man exiting his vehicle on the 3800 block of North Paulina was approached by two armed suspects. They ransacked the car then fled with the stolen items. The thieves were described as two black males, 5’9” in height, wearing face masks and hoodies.
The third incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 24, when a woman unloading groceries from her car on the 3700 block of North Hoyne was approached by two men in their 20s wearing face masks and hoodies. They pointed a gun at the woman, demanded her purse and car keys, then pushed her to the ground before driving off in her gray 2017 Jeep Renegade.
Fortunately, none of the victims were injured.
Separately, we previously advised you of an armed robbery that occurred on October 13, on the 1900 block of West Patterson. Today, we can report that Denard Ross, 20, has been arrested and charged with that and other crimes committed on the north side. We are deeply grateful to the dedicated Officers and Detectives of the 19th Police District for their work in solving this crime.
Safety Tips:
- Always maintain your situational awareness. Know who is near and around you. Have a plan to remove yourself from any situation that could threaten your safety.
- If you are not already in the habit of doing so, be certain to immediately lock your car doors as soon as you enter your vehicle. Most crimes occur in transitional spaces and a vehicle that is not in motion is, by definition, a transitional space. Locked doors buy you time and time buys you options. Also, be certain to turn-off your engine and lock you doors each time you exit your car – even if “just for a few seconds” -- be it at a gas station, convenience store, or your home. Thieves look for opportunities when you drop your guard. Don’t give them any.
- Low-speed “bump & robs” are a common tactic deployed by would-be thieves. Should your car be struck in a low-speed collision, wherever you might be, do not lower your window and do not exit your vehicle. Instead, signal to the other driver to follow you, then proceed to the nearest police station with your emergency lights activated. Dial 911 and alert them of the incident, your location, and your destination. If a passenger is with you, ask them to write down a description of the other vehicle and its license plate number.
- The easiest way to enter a home or garage with a standard-frame door is with a simple well-placed kick. Consider hardening your doorframe with a product like the StrikeMaster II Pro or similar device available at local home improvement stores (https://www.asafehome.net/PAGES/Safe-Homes-International-StrikeMaster-II-Pro.html). Made of hardened-steel, they are easily installed and can make your home and garage impenetrable.
On behalf of the Board, the Neighborhood Watch Committee, and all your fellow members of Roscoe Village Neighbors, we wish you a Healthy and Happy Thanksgiving.
Stay safe,
Roscoe Village Neighborhood Watch Committee |
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