Where Burglars Hit Most in Lake View (Heat Map)

Robberies may be the biggest concern in the 19th Police District, but when it comes to the actual number of incidents, burglaries are king.

In the past six months, the Lake View community saw 148 robberies, according to City of Chicago data. That’s compared, however, to the 237 burglaries the same area saw in the past six months. 

• The map is interactive. Zoom and scroll to watch the view change. 

Based on the interactive map, the most popular places in town for burglars are in every direction circling the Belmont CTA station, as well as up near the intersection of Ashland Avenue and Irving Park Road. Joining them is another hot spot between Belmont Avenue and Diversey Parkway just west of Ashland.

Sgt. Jason Clark says the district is putting its foot down on crime, but based on the type of people who live in Lake View, it may be the area’s top issue for the foreseeable future.

“Our two main problems in this district are burglaries and robberies, and they will always be burglaries and robberies, because you guys live in the land of the ‘haves,’” Clark said, speaking about the affluent demographics in the community.

“A large percentage is a crime of opportunity,” Clark continued. “Doors are left unlocked, stuff left visible in your car, flimsy side doors on garages and poor lighting all play into it.”

Officials have said in the past that while they struggle with burglaires and robberies, at least those aren't violent crimes like other neighborhoods in Chicago face.

Clark says there will soon be a big push to bring back block clubs where neighbors keep an eye out for each other. That could possibly lower the amount of burglaries seen in North Center.

“Block clubs were big back in the day,” Clark said. “Just like you know your neighborhood group, get to know your neighbors on your street and look out for each other. That’s why the area is so targeted. Someone can break a window and nobody might care enough to call the police when they hear it.”

Follow Us on Facebook!