BEAT 1431 CAPS
Meeting Minutes
September 18th, 2014
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 20th, 2014, 7:00pm at Haas Park Field House, 2402 N. Washtenaw.
Officers Present: SGT Giambrone, PO Komo, PO McNamara, PO Chavez, Liz Rios - 14th District CAPS organizer, Vicky Schmidt CAPS Beat 1431 Community Facilitator
Number of Beat 1431 residents present: 11
General Announcements
Officer Chavez reported that theft ($500 and under) increased over the last 2 months in Beat 1431. Some of these cases involved property stolen from the trunks of cars. Officer Chavez emphasized that criminals are watching people place items in the trunks of their cars. After they leave their cars, the criminals either break into the trunk or the front seat to pop the trunk from the inside. Therefore, she strongly urges people to place items in trunks before arriving at their next destination.
Catalytic converters have also recently been stolen from cars, especially SUVs that have greater ground clearance making it easier for criminals to saw it out. Some of these incidences have occurred on Campbell Ave. during the evening hours.
Officer Chavez reported that theft ($500 and under) increased over the last 2 months in Beat 1431. Some of these cases involved property stolen from the trunks of cars. Officer Chavez emphasized that criminals are watching people place items in the trunks of their cars. After they leave their cars, the criminals either break into the trunk or the front seat to pop the trunk from the inside. Therefore, she strongly urges people to place items in trunks before arriving at their next destination.
Catalytic converters have also recently been stolen from cars, especially SUVs that have greater ground clearance making it easier for criminals to saw it out. Some of these incidences have occurred on Campbell Ave. during the evening hours.
For a complete listing of crimes over time for our Beat 1431 visit ClearMap.
Court Advocacy Reports
Court advocates have been following cases regarding:
- The 2011 New Year's Eve rape at Congress Theater: Terrance Ford has pled guilty to aggravated sexual assault and has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. The case against Charles Chuning in this crime is pending until Sept. 25th.
Section Reports
SECTION 1 (Borders: California, Milwaukee, Armitage)
1) At the last CAPS meeting, residents reported observing a growing number of bikes being sold at EZPawn at 2138 N. Milwaukee and wondered if (and/or how many of) the bikes might be stolen. Coincidentally, on August 13th, CBS Chicago reported that a different EZPawn location at 3711 W. Fullerton was indeed selling stolen bicycles. Residents remain concerned that the 2138 N. Milwaukee EZPawn could be selling stolen bicycles. There is also concern that bike sales at this EZPawn are competing with the bicycle shop immediately adjacent to them.
Officer Chavez emphasized again the importance of bike owners to register the serial number of their bikes with the city. Having this record is the most reliable way to prove ownership of a stolen bicycle. PO Chavez in the past has also recommended placing your name underneath your bicycle seat as another form of identification.
2) A resident shared an incident of discovering his stolen property at the EZPawn at 2138 N. Milwaukee (this property did not include bicycles). The property was returned (after the original owner had to buy it back at the same price the pawn shop paid for the items). This resident chose not to file a police report.
3) Residents also voiced concern that EZPawn caters to a drug using patrons in the area.
action: Residents are urged to continue calling 911 to report the ongoing gang and criminal activity.
Officer Chavez emphasized again the importance of bike owners to register the serial number of their bikes with the city. Having this record is the most reliable way to prove ownership of a stolen bicycle. PO Chavez in the past has also recommended placing your name underneath your bicycle seat as another form of identification.
2) A resident shared an incident of discovering his stolen property at the EZPawn at 2138 N. Milwaukee (this property did not include bicycles). The property was returned (after the original owner had to buy it back at the same price the pawn shop paid for the items). This resident chose not to file a police report.
3) Residents also voiced concern that EZPawn caters to a drug using patrons in the area.
action: Residents are urged to continue calling 911 to report the ongoing gang and criminal activity.
SECTION 2 (Borders: Rockwell, Lyndale, Western, Milwaukee)
1) Congress Pizza – There were no representatives of Congress Pizza in attendance at the CAPS meeting despite this being a requirement. Last meeting, a legal representative for the Lombardi family (owners of the business) was in attendance and articulated that he would be in attendance at all bi-monthly Beat 1431 CAPS meetings. Meanwhile, SGT Giambrone reported that individuals were illegally using the parking lot of the restaurant to work on their cars. Otherwise, there were no remarkable calls of service.
2) Representatives from Concord Music Hall were in attendance and had no issues to report.
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report shooting, illegal parking and any illegal patron or employee behavior at businesses along Milwaukee Ave.2) Representatives from Concord Music Hall were in attendance and had no issues to report.
SECTION 3 (Borders: Rockwell, Fullerton, Western, Lyndale)
1) There were no reports of 911 calls in regards to a reported concern from last CAPS meeting of potential drug dealing near or within the Renaissance apartment building near Palmer and Lyndale.
2) SGT Giambrone extended his appreciation to residents of this section who greatly assisted police in arresting an offender who rear ended a car on Fullerton and tried to flee the scene heading South on Rockwell. Residents recognizing suspicious behavior, used their mobile devices to capture the offenders entering neighbors yards attempting to flee arrest and approached officers on Maplewood to share this footage. The police were able to use this information from residents to track down the offenders. All suspects were arrested by the police due to the help of the residents in the area. SGT Giambrone greatly appreciated the support he and his officers received from the community and "can't thank them enough" for their collaboration.
3) A resident shared a recent frustrating experience attempting to file a police report online after her car was burglarized. In addition to a window being broken, property was stolen from the vehicle. The online application required a crime to categorize the claim. The resident chose "vandalism", however, the claim was rejected requiring the resident to submit a new claim. According to Officer Chavez, the online application might not be optimized for claims that involve several types of crime. Therefore, she recommended that residents call the police department to file cases that involve multiple offenses.
4) Within 2 weeks of re-opening due to a past shooting incident, Los Recuerdos (just East of our Beat at 2315 W. Fullerton Ave), was again host to gang related gun violence. SGT Giambrone reported that the shooting occurred 2 weeks ago, during the early morning of Saturday September 6th, involving a patron exiting the club and shooting 6 rounds at a car containing rival gang members (Popes, according to SGT Giambrone) with a 25 caliber gun directly in front of the club. SGT Giambrone also reported that the bouncer of the club did not do anything to detain the shooter as he was firing his weapon or call 911 to report the crime as it was happening. SGT Giambrone also reported that no individuals were struck by the gun fire. City officials and departments are in the process of addressing this latest incident with the establishment owner.
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report gang activity and 311 for graffiti.
SECTION 4 (Borders: California, Fullerton, Rockwell, Milwaukee)
1) Officer Chavez reported that Goethe Elementary School has implemented a Kiss & Go program and there have been no issues reported so far. It is not known, however, if this program includes Talman Avenue where residents have reported traffic congestion and illegal parking by parents/guardians double-parking along Talman and blocking garages along Lyndale to drop off school children. Vicki Schmidt asked if there was a parent or children patrol program and Liz Rios reported that there has been an absence of parents helping to patrol the school drop off and pickup traffic. SGT Giambrone suggested that Goethe attempt to utilize the Dunkin Donut's parking lot on Fullerton which is half a block away for parents to park and walk their kids to the school. The police and residents are hopeful a safe and legal solution can be implemented.
Another resident also voiced concern at excessive speeding on Rockwell during the afternoon pickup hours (approximately 3pm) at the school. Parents/guardians have also been seen illegally driving the wrong way on Rockwell to try to expedite picking up their kids.
Officer Chavez reported that the Alderman's office is working with CDOT to do a traffic study to help alleviate the traffic issue on Rockwell. Officer Chavez also said that she will followup with Goethe Elementary School at the next "school principal's meeting" October 1st on the illegal driving and parking practices during both drop off and pickup periods.
Another resident also voiced concern at excessive speeding on Rockwell during the afternoon pickup hours (approximately 3pm) at the school. Parents/guardians have also been seen illegally driving the wrong way on Rockwell to try to expedite picking up their kids.
Officer Chavez reported that the Alderman's office is working with CDOT to do a traffic study to help alleviate the traffic issue on Rockwell. Officer Chavez also said that she will followup with Goethe Elementary School at the next "school principal's meeting" October 1st on the illegal driving and parking practices during both drop off and pickup periods.
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report illegal parking and other criminal
activity and 311 for graffiti.
activity and 311 for graffiti.
SECTION 5 (Borders: California, Logan Boulevard, Rockwell, Fullerton)
There were no issues reported in this section.
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report gang activity and 311 for graffiti.
SECTION 6 (Borders: Rockwell, Logan Boulevard, Western, Fullerton)
1) The large group of transient "Travelers" that were reported loitering and panhandling in and around the skate park and dog park 2 months ago have left according to SGT Giambrone and Officer Chavez. Residents have seen a few members last week loitering under the expressway embankments near Western. As reported at the last meeting, these groups are believed to be involved in drug abuse. Residents are strongly encouraged to not give money or provide other needs for these panhandlers to discourage them from returning to this area. If residents observe any alcohol or drug use by these individuals they should call 911 to report these crimes. A resident from Wicker Park (outside Beat 1431) reported seeing "Rail Riders" walking along Milwaukee Ave South of North Ave. wearing all black clothing vs. combat inspired clothing and asked officers if these individuals are changing their "uniforms". PO McNamara responded to this question and explained that he was not aware of a change of uniform and that Wicker Park in general attracts a variety of people of equally diverse associations.
2) Officer Chavez reported that the home invasion shooting crime on August 11th on the 2400 block of North Talman was drug related. There was an arrest made at this property.
3) An elderly woman that resides on the 2400 block of Campbell has been reportedly wandering the area and requesting rides from strangers. Concerned residents are hoping that she receives the attention that she deserves to prevent her from causing herself any harm. Police and fire departments have helped this individual after calls of service have been made. Residents in this section are being asked to keep an eye out for her and call for help as need be. She is described as being very recognizable as "dramatic, glamorous and adorable", often seen waving down traffic in the area. She needs help from the community to keep her safe. PO Chavez mentioned that she spoke with this woman's son and he claimed that he is taking steps to provide a care giver to help support her.
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report gang activity and 311 for graffiti.
2) Officer Chavez reported that the home invasion shooting crime on August 11th on the 2400 block of North Talman was drug related. There was an arrest made at this property.
3) An elderly woman that resides on the 2400 block of Campbell has been reportedly wandering the area and requesting rides from strangers. Concerned residents are hoping that she receives the attention that she deserves to prevent her from causing herself any harm. Police and fire departments have helped this individual after calls of service have been made. Residents in this section are being asked to keep an eye out for her and call for help as need be. She is described as being very recognizable as "dramatic, glamorous and adorable", often seen waving down traffic in the area. She needs help from the community to keep her safe. PO Chavez mentioned that she spoke with this woman's son and he claimed that he is taking steps to provide a care giver to help support her.
action: Residents are strongly urged to call 911 to report gang activity and 311 for graffiti.
Recurring Problem Areas for BEAT 1431
1) Gun shots2) Graffiti
3) Gang and drug activity
4) Loitering / problems with Congress Pizza on Milwaukee Ave.
DISCLAIMER
Beat 1431 CAPS volunteers prepared these meeting minutes to the best of their ability.
