Violent Crime Down In Darien

DARIEN, IL — The number of major violent crimes dropped last year in Darien, while property crime increased, according to the Darien Police Department's annual report. Last year, Darien experienced eight reported incidents classified by the FBI as major crimes. That number consists of one robbery, three assault and battery cases, and four sexual assaults.

In 2018, Darien reported 20 major crimes — two murders, 12 sexual assaults, five assault and battery cases, and one robbery. In 2014 and 2009, the city had 15 and 14 major violent crimes, respectively.

Property crimes were a different picture. Darien residents saw a 7.1 percent increase in such crimes from 2018. That was driven by 52 percent and 44 percent jumps in burglaries and auto thefts, respectively. Of the 35 burglaries, 24 were residential, according to the report. The city was struck with a rash of home burglaries, starting Oct. 30 and ending Jan. 9.

The number of motor vehicle burglaries dropped to 34 in 2019, from 41 the year before.

"I've discussed the crime crew coming out from Chicago in prior monthly reports and City Council meetings," Police Chief Greg Thomas said in the annual report. "The group continues to be active. The community can help themselves and their fellow community members by securing items — 'trunk it or take it' is a good thing to remember."

In other statistics from 2019:

• Nuisance-type crimes (criminal damage to property, criminal trespass to property, disorderly conduct, etc.) increased 18 percent.
• Domestic batteries dropped 40 percent.
• Traffic accidents decreased 9 percent, or 37 fewer crashes. Two major causes of crashes are distracted and aggressive driving. Tickets for distracted driving went up 3 percent.
• Moving violation tickets increased 3 percent. "Enforcement is appropriate and will continue, but real change will come with voluntary compliance with the rules of the road by drivers," the chief said.