BRIDGEPORT — There's a simple way neighborhood folks can help deter crime this summer, according to Deering District Police Cmdr. Daniel Godsel.
“This is the time of the year to be outside," Godsel said at a community meeting Tuesday night hosted by Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11th) at St. Barbara Parish. "I’ll tell you one thing right now: A burglar comes on your block attempting to break into a home and he sees anybody out on the street, he’s going somewhere else, so be outside.
"Interact with your neighbors, get to know each other and keep an eye out."
Godsel shared optimism about the state of public safety in the 11th Ward.
“You’re sitting in one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago,” Godsel said. "I can tell you you’re safe, but if something happens on your block or next door to you, you’re not going to feel safe. I understand that, so I don’t want to stand up here and try to tell you everything’s fine.
“We’re doing really well, but there’s some work to be done."
The commander, who recently marked his first year in the Deering District, said neighborhood residents can remain vigilant calling police often when trouble rolls into the neighborhood. The more calls, the better, he said.
Godsel revealed that, for the past few months, the Deering District has been the home of a 90-man "violent crime unit" — a group that spends most of its time outside Bridgeport, he said.
“I can’t really talk a whole lot about exactly what they’re doing, but it is out of the 9th District,” Godsel said. “There’s only one other [unit like it] existing in the City of Chicago. They’re doing some phenomenal work.
"They’ve only been in there a couple months, but they’re already making a great deal of progress.”
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