Chicago experienced a surge in armed robberies and burglaries over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, as criminals targeted neighborhoods across the North, West, and Southwest sides. The alarming increase in violent attacks continues a concerning trend that has been observed throughout the year.

Between Friday and Sunday, at least three dozen instances of armed robberies and burglaries were reported in various neighborhoods, including Wicker Park, Austin, Gage Park, Pilsen, West Town, Humboldt Park, and Lakeview, according to the Chicago Police Department. The spree started on Friday between 4-10:30 p.m., when 10 individuals were robbed across different areas, with one victim suffering gunshot wounds during a robbery incident.

On the same Friday night, Pilsen and the Near West Side witnessed five more robberies. The situation further escalated on Saturday morning when multiple auto repair businesses in Avondale, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park were broken into and robbed. The criminals gained entry by using bricks or large stones to break glass doors or windows. In one case, a vehicle was even used to ram through a garage overhead door for access, after which vehicle keys and cash from registers were stolen.

The spree of robberies and burglaries persisted into Sunday morning, where a robbery crew targeted 14 individuals in neighborhoods like Pilsen, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, and Hermosa. The crime wave did not subside, as six additional robberies occurred on Sunday night in West Town, McKinley Park, Brighton Park, Little Village, and Hermosa.

The recent incidents have fueled concerns about public safety in the city, as overall robberies have seen a staggering 24 percent increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. When compared to 2019, the rise stands at 38 percent, representing a significant spike in criminal activity.

Areas such as West Town, Logan Square, Lincoln Park, and Pilsen have been particularly affected by these robberies. Over the summer, these communities experienced a surge in armed robberies. In August, the 12th, 14th, and 25th police districts, which cover these neighborhoods, accounted for the highest number of robberies in the city.

Efforts have been made to address the rising robberies, with Mayor Brandon Johnson and newly sworn-in Police Superintendent Larry Snelling vowing to utilize technology to combat the surge. They have emphasized the seriousness of the incidents and pledged to swiftly analyze and identify patterns to facilitate effective intervention.

However, community groups and Alderman Gilbert Villegas (36th) expressed their frustration and disappointment when neither Mayor Johnson nor Superintendent Snelling attended a meeting held on November 14. Concerned citizens had hoped to gain insights into the city's strategy to combat robberies and other crimes. Despite their absence, representatives from the Mayor's Office and the police department were present to address community inquiries.

In response to the heightened violent crime, the Bucktown Community Organization has announced a town hall meeting on December 7. State lawmakers will convene to discuss the increasing trends and potential solutions to address the issue.

The recent wave of armed robberies and burglaries underscores the pressing need for decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of Chicago residents. As winter approaches and temperatures drop, law enforcement authorities and community leaders must collaborate to curb this alarming trend and restore a sense of security to the affected neighborhoods.