Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Crime

A transit ambassador on a Bay Area Rapid Transit train in San Francisco. Photo: BART

Armed guards aren’t the answer for reducing CTA violence, transit ambassadors are

By John Greenfield | Jul 3, 2021 | No Comments

While it's understandable that the transit union is pushing for adding armed guards on the CTA, it appears the the conversation should really be about introducing unarmed outreach personnel.

Boarding platform for women-only train cars in Mexico City. Photo: Olivia Grenzebach

Should the CTA adopt women-only transit? Interviews with Chicago women suggest yes

By Olivia Grenzebach | Jan 15, 2021 | No Comments

Women-only transportation helps to dismantle one of the barriers that women face daily, so it should be seriously considered in the Chicago and other U.S. cities.

Police at the Jackson Red Line platform. Photo: John Greenfield

Having police crack down on minor transit infractions doesn’t make us safer

By John Greenfield | Mar 11, 2020 | No Comments

Today transit worker union reps and community organizations called for non-police solutions to reducing crime on the CTA.

Lightfoot announces plan for more transit policing, but LA’s experience is a cautionary tale

By John Greenfield | Feb 28, 2020 | No Comments

While adding more police to the CTA may have been inevitable, it's going to be crucial for officers to stay focused on serious crimes, not cracking down on minor infractions.

Dangers and Annoyances: When, if ever, does it make sense to confront a CTA rule-breaker?

By John Greenfield | Jan 30, 2020 | No Comments

Smoking, littering, radio playing, and other infractions can make CTA trips unpleasant and reduce ridership. But many riders say it's wisest not to confront the offender.

A security guard with a German shepherd on the Red Line. Photo: Dan Gaken

Serious CTA crime is on the rise. How can we fight it beyond using cops and cameras?

By John Greenfield | Jan 13, 2020 | No Comments

More policing and camera surveillance doesn't make everyone feel safer, but bringing back CTA conductors would help deter crime.

The Belmont Station platform in Lakeview. The stop has recently been a hot spot for crime. Photo: Jeff Zoline

CTA, CPD promise more security on the ‘L’ in the wake of recent Red Line attacks

By Igor Studenkov | Jan 9, 2020 | No Comments

While crime is down systemwide, serious crime has doubled since 2015, and there have been a string of recent attacks and robberies on the Red Line.

The Divvy station at 331 S. Canal St. Image: Google Maps

13 Divvy bikes were slashed with a butcher knife this summer

By John Greenfield | Oct 9, 2019 | No Comments

Divvy thefts weren't a huge issue this summer, but this was a nasty case of seemingly random vandalism.

The Lakefront Trail near Oak Street Beach. Image: Google Street View

There Were Two Robberies of Cyclists on the Near-North Lakefront on Tuesday

By John Greenfield | Aug 5, 2019 | 3 Comments

Several cyclists were attacked on the Lakefront Trail on the south lakefront in Kenwood and Oakland last spring.

Scooter riders on Milwaukee Avenue in River West. Photo: John Greenfield

CPD Reports Detail Incidents From the Early Days of the Scooter Pilot

By John Greenfield | Jul 26, 2019 | 15 Comments

In the first week of Chicago's scooter pilot, scooters were reportedly used as an assault weapon and to vandalize a car. Scooter riders were also injured in run-ins with motorists, potholes, and an angry bicyclist.

The Lakefront Trail near 37th Street. Image: Google Maps

Series of Attacks on Cyclists on the South Lakefront Trail

By John Greenfield | Apr 11, 2019 | 26 Comments

Several cyclists have been approached from behind on the Lakefront Trail in Kenwood, pulled off their bikes and robbed in early April.

Load more stories