Police Call on Rogers Park Residents to Stem Gang Presence
By Anthonia Akitunde in News on Aug 29, 2009 9:30PM
An increase in robberies and gang members hanging out in various parts of Rogers Park has area residents worried.
But without residents' support, police say they can only do so much, according to a Chi-Town Daily News report.
During a CAPS meeting this week, police confirmed that there is an increase in gangs in the area, as members attempt to mark out new territory. But unless a gang member commits a crime, there isn't anything police can do about the spread, the report said.
"Being in a gang is not a crime," Sgt. John Delgado, a police force vet of 13 years, told residents.
However, Delgado encouraged the community to create block clubs, or neighborhood watch organizations, and to call police with any word of suspicious activity. Delgado said a "new two-tier street lighting system" would be installed to address safety worries, according to the report.
The jump in the number of thefts in the area was also addressed during the CAPS meeting. Police gave residents pointers such as walking in groups and being aware of their surroundings, since some of the robberies occurred while victims were talking on their cell phones.