Frankfort Crime Stats: Burglaries, Stolen Cars Increased In 2019

FRANKFORT, IL — After a rash of crimes including robberies, car burglaries and an abduction in the Frankfort area, residents have expressed concerns about safety. According to recently released crime statistics from 2018 and 2019, Frankfort has seen an increase in several types of crime, including thefts, burglaries to vehicles, stolen vehicles, residential burglaries and criminal trespass to vehicles.

In response to a surge in crime, concerned Frankfort Square residents planned a Feb. 13 meeting to discuss community safety.

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The FBI shared 2018 crime statistics for Frankfort; the 2019 statistics have not been released. In 2018, the FBI shared there were nine violent crimes in Frankfort and one rape was reported.

Additionally, eight aggravated assaults were reported in 2018. There were no murders or robberies in 2018 in Frankfort.

Frankfort Police Department also shared property crime statistics from the past two years, including trespassing, vehicle burglaries and vehicle theft.

Criminal Trespass

According to the statistics, in 2018, police took 17 calls for criminal trespass. In 2019, police took 35 calls for criminal trespass.

Police said they define criminal trespass as when someone rummages through a person's unlocked car without stealing anything.

The increase in the number of calls for criminal trespass represents a 106 percent increase in this type of crime.

Due to the increasing amount of car burglaries and criminal trespass, many residents and police departments are trying to make others in the town more aware. Frankfort Police Department has sent out "9 p.m. reminders" to lock your car and other belongings on its Nixle alert system and Facebook page. Social media community groups often post "9 p.m." reminders for members as well. Recently, Frankfort held a town hall to discuss crime in the area and how police are trying to combat it.

Burglary to vehicle

Frankfort Police defined burglary to vehicle as when someone enters the car and actually steals something out of it. Police said in the majority of these crimes, the car was left unlocked.

According to the statistics, in 2018, police responded to 50 calls for burglaries to vehicles. In 2019, police responded to 61 calls for burglaries to vehicles.

The increase in the number of calls for burglary to vehicle represents a 22 percent increase.

Stolen vehicles

Another concern for residents is the increase of stolen cars. Police said if a vehicle is left unlocked with the key or key fob inside it, offenders have been stealing the car.

In 2018, police responded to 12 calls for stolen vehicles; and in 2019, police responded to 17 calls. This increase represents a 42 percent increase.

Here's a look at the other crime statistics from 2018 and 2019:

DUI/Traffic arrests

• 2018: 132
• 2019: 143
• 8 percent increase

Retail theft

• 2018: 53
• 2019: 34
• 36 percent decrease

Identity theft

• 2018: 57
• 2019: 61
• 7 percent increase

Theft

• 2018: 59
• 2019: 70
• 19 percent increase

Residential burglary

• 2018: 4
• 2019: 8
• 100 percent increase

Business burglary

• 2018: 16
• 2019: 11
• 31 percent decrease