WICKER PARK — Armed robberies in Wicker Park have spiked this summer, prompting concerns from citizens and police to shake up their efforts.
Since June, there have been 11 armed robberies in the Shakespeare District's Beat 1424, which covers the "entertainment district" on Milwaukee Avenue from Damen Avenue to Division Street and the surrounding area, according to police.
The total is up from four armed robberies over the same time last year, according to police data presented at a public meeting at Wicker Park Wednesday. Police have shifted certain strategies after hearing concerns from the neighborhood, said Officer Gretchen Chavez, a community policing officer for the department.
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The increase in such crimes has prompted district Cmdr. Fabian Saldana to shift the robbery/burglary team to nighttime patrols, when the armed robberies take place, Chavez said. The team was previously working morning patrols, when most residential burglaries are committed, she said.
Armed robberies prompted a community alert Aug. 4, after three couples were robbed during a night out in Wicker Park.
A pizza delivery man was robbed at gunpoint in one case and another armed robbery occurred at Wicker Park Fest, Chavez said.
The uptick in crime has residents on edge.
"The uptick in crime has been very eye opening," said Leah Root, a six-year resident of Wicker Park. "The stuff gets crazier by the day."
The Wicker Park Fest robber was arrested and charged, but the state's attorney's office dismissed the charges, she said.
"At least we have this person on our radar now," Chavez said.
Police and citizens believe the reason for the increase in armed robberies and thefts is because the police beat covers a robust nightlife and shopping district, patrons of which officers called "soft targets" to armed criminals.
Drunk pedestrians, as well as distracted pedestrians, are particularly easy targets, police said.
"They are looking for an easy target," Chavez said. "Maybe [the victims are] talking on their cellphone."
The "majority" of the armed robberies are done by gang members, Chavez said.
There has also been a dramatic jump in thefts of items worth more than $500, with 49 recorded since June 8, an increase of 30 over the same span last year, police said.
Similarly, there have been 17 more thefts of items worth less than $500 this summer, for a total of 58 such thefts since June 8, police said.
Police believe the reason for this uptick is because of the popular retail businesses in the area.
Robbers have swiped shopping bags left on the floor at stores and in unlocked cars along Milwaukee Avenue, Chavez said.
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