Neighbors Blame Social Service Agencies for Boystown Crime

Crime and robberies in Lake View have caused a stir with neighbors, especially in areas surrounding Boystown, prompting new tactics from police.

But some residents say it will have to be a mix of police enforcement and action from area social service agencies to make a noticeable change. They say the support groups attract people up to no good.

The movement was more or less kicked off in early August when police, neighbors and Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) met to discuss the Night Ministry’s, “The Crib,” a nightly shelter for up to 20 homeless youth to stay.

It was there that residents cited the loitering, noise issues and a lack of respect for the neighborhood.

"Large groups of kids that are clearly not here to take advantage of the businesses or of the night life," resident Craig Nolden told ABC7.

The issues were rehashed again just days later at a police beat 1924 CAPS meeting, the most populated and congested one in Chicago.

That’s where 19th Police District Commander Elias Voulgaris said crime in the area is actually down, but when nearly every issue is highlighted on the popular Crime in Wrigleyville & Boystown Blog, neighbors couldn’t be consoled.

“Especially if you’ve been the victim of a crime, nothing I’m going to tell you is going to satisfy you,” Voulgaris said. “… The statistics are showing a decrease, but it’s the perception I need to work on. My goal is for everyone in here to say, ‘OK, the statistics are matching what I’m seeing on the street.’”

Voulgaris says he’s implementing a slew of new police tactics in Lake View to combat the issues, asking reporters to keep the details out of the media to ensure their effectiveness. However, he did say administrative officers are being suited up and put back on the streets.

"We're going to hit it when people don't expect us to be out here," he told ABC7.

And according to Center on Halsted spokesman Tom Elliott, social services are benefitting the community, not hurting it.

"Center on Halsted is the Midwest's largest, most comprehensive community center and we're a social service agency that serve all LGBTQ people in Chicago," Elliott told ABC7. "… I can confidently say the individuals that are committing crimes in the area are not coming here for our services."