Summertime is almost here when, as the saying goes, the living is free and easy. Unfortunately, that could also be the motto for Chicago’s burglars–who pick up the pace as the weather warms up.
There’s never a time to be lax about home security, but with summer being high season in Chicago for home break-ins, now is a particularly important time to review how safe you are in your own home.
In 2004, there were more than 24,000 burglaries reported in the city. After a low of 1,586 in February, the number of burglaries increased every month until July, when the number peaked at 2,315. The numbers dropped again this winter, with 3,231 burglaries during the first two months of 2005.
Chicago Police Sgt. Tom McGrath of the robbery, burglary, theft unit in the Area 3 detective division, said that most burglars enter homes through unlocked doors or windows.
In the warmer months, it’s easy to forget how inviting that cracked window is to a potential thief. McGrath said it’s common for burglars to slice through a screen, open a window and climb in.
“It’s easier [for burglars] to move around [in summer],” McGrath said. “They’re not encumbered by clothes. It’s easier to move in and out of gangways.”
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Hot and bothered
You may not like winter, but at least it helps cut down on burglaries in the city. With the weather warming up, you can expect more thieves to be out–and breaking into homes.
Burglaries in Chicago in 2004
Jan. 1,756
Feb. 1,586
March 1,874
April 1,882
May 2,009
June 2,127
July 2,315
Aug. 2,266
Sept. 2,214
Oct. 2,155
Nov. 2,188
Dec. 2,091
