More Marked Squad Cars To Help Combat Crime In Oak Park

OAK PARK, IL — In the face of a recent uptick in carjackings and other crimes, Oak Park Police are hoping that increased visibility will help deter criminals. The police department has deployed several more marked squad cars to patrol the streets and alleys of the village and plans to keep these cars "constantly on the move" to help stop crime.

"Criminals rely on finding targets they can hit quickly and move on. Seeing a roving patrol car is a sure way to make a criminal think twice," Oak Park Police Chief Anthony Ambrose said in a post on the village website.

Ambrose added that the department uses data and communicates with other neighboring law enforcement agencies to spot crime trends and "broaden the reach of patrols, especially in areas where data suggest a trend may be developing." The Oak Park Police Department said they continue to work closely with the Cook County Sheriff's Department and police in neighboring towns to control crime before it starts.

Ambrose also mentioned the vital role community members play in helping to deter criminals, calling residents who report crimes "essential." Just days ago, Oak Park Police were able to catch two would-be carjackers after a call from a concerned neighbor.

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