Tag: safety

We are writing to update you on a recent incident of vandalism in our neighborhood and to remind everyone of the simple, everyday safety practices we can all use to protect our community.

In the early morning hours of Tuesday May 26, between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, a series of etched glass graffiti attacks occurred along both sides of Montrose Ave, stretching from Clark Street to Ravenswood.

Over 10 windows were damaged, targeting local businesses and neighborhood schools—including Ravenswood School (4332 N. Paulina), the newly renovated Dunkin’ Donuts (1441 W. Montrose), and Quantum LEEP Forward Academy (1447 W. Montrose). The suspects left behind initials tagged as “KOM”. Repairing etched glass is incredibly costly and a massive and unfair burden for our local small businesses and schools.

Thanks to our highly connected network, GWCA neighborhood leaders jumped into action immediately. Security camera footage capturing two suspects has already been retrieved and shared with Alderman Matt Martin’s office, Alderwoman Angela Clay’s office, and the 19th District CAPS team.

How you can help right now

Check Your Cameras: If you have security or doorbell cameras facing the street, sidewalk, or alleys near Montrose, please review your footage from Tuesday, May 26, between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM. If you spot any suspicious behavior or individuals matching the timeline, please forward clips or stills to GWCA and the 19th District CAPS office.

File a Police Report: If your property or business was tagged, please ensure you file an individual police report immediately. Police reports are required for every separate crime so that law enforcement can officially track patterns.

Report to 311: Several locations have already been reported for graffiti removal (including SR numbers tracked by Ald. Martin’s office), but if you notice any missed tags or other neighborhood damage, please snap a photo and submit it using the Chicago Works / 311 app.

Incidents like this remind us how vital our Neighborhood Safety Guidelines are. To deter future vandalism and property damage, we encourage every household and business to reinforce these collective steps:

• Light Up the Night (Dusk to Dawn)
• Install and Utilize Video Security
• Know Your Neighbors & Keep the Lines Open
• Report Everything: never hesitate to call 911 for crimes or suspicious behavior in progress

GWCA Announcements & Upcoming Events

While we stay vigilant about safety, we also have plenty of exciting ways to bring positive energy to our community

• TODAY 5/30/26, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM: 47th Ward ECO Fest: Don’t forget that Alderman Matt Martin’s EcoFest is happening this Saturday! Come out to support local environmental initiatives.
• TOMORROW 5/31/26 10:30 to 11:00 AM: Kids Pollinator Planting Garden Event in Warner Park.
• 44th Annual Garden Walk: Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 12 from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM! If you would like to join the Garden Walk Committee, help with the Pot Luck Committee, or open up your own garden to be showcased, please contact Linda Welsh to get involved.
• Join the GWCA Council: We currently have two open positions on the GWCA Council! If you want to bring your ideas and energy to help shape the neighborhood, please reach out to us at info@gracelandwest.org.

Thank you to all the block leaders, business owners, and neighbors who stepped up so quickly to look out for Montrose Avenue. Together, we keep Graceland West safe, vibrant, and strong!

Between June 19 and today, June 25th, we have had 5 separate vehicle incidents:

• Car parked at Cullom and Greenview had window smashed
• Car parked on the 1400 block of Warner had window smashed
• Car parked in driveway on 1400 block of Belle Plaine was broken into
• Car parked on 1400 block of Warner near north/south alley east of Greenview had Catalytic convertor stolen 
• Unlocked car on 1400 block of Warner near north/south alley east of Greenview was entered and were contents tossed around.

Please contact info@gracelandwest.org if you know of any other vehicle or other crime incidents.

Please help deter crime in the neighborhood by doing the following:

1. Maintain a bright front porch light from dusk to dawn all year.
2. Maintain either a bright rear door light or motion lights.
3. Install and a video camera.
4. Always lock your vehicle, house and garage and secure open windows on 1st and 2nd floors.
5. Remove all valuables from your vehicle.
6. Lock bikes and vehicles that are garaged.
7. Look outdoors when you’re up at night. Not a bad idea to have a few indoor lights on timers.
8. Report all alley and street lights out.  Report all suspicious activity.
9. Attend the 19th Police District Council meetings (tonight and July 24th, flyer attached) and the next Police 1912 Beat Meeting, July 16, 6:30 pm, Sulzer Library.
10. Please be extra alert to suspicious activity and sounds at any hour.

Please join the Graceland West Community Association, GWCA.  Membership dues help support our website, newsletters, meetings, events, an annual donation to Warner Park and Gardens and a scholarship for a college bound Lake View High School student. 

On Monday, Feb 19 (President’s Day) a carjacking incident occurred at 4 am on the 4200 Block of Greenview. Please check your video cameras for a red SUV and email CAPS019district@chicagopolice.org with any information, please copy info@gracelandwest.org.

Help us prevent crime in the neighborhood by always reporting crime, suspicious activity & dangerous driving to 911. Confirm that your porch lights and rear lights are working from dusk to dawn.

More safety tips at: https://gracelandwest.org/neighborhood-safety/

You may have heard about the recent attempted carjackings at the gas stations in our neighborhood. Members of GWCA and GWCA council members have contacted both the 19th District police station and Alderwoman Clay’s office as well as attended CAPS and District 19 meetings.

Please be sure to visit our Neighborhood Safety page for recommended best practices to prevent crime. It is very important that you call 911 and report any suspicious activity or crime happening “now”.  It is equally important that you report any criminal damage or theft and get a report number.  Our police coverage is based on actual reports.

Specifically related to the recent gas station incidents, please see the attached flyers from the CPD.

• When you are getting gas, lock your vehicle while you gas up and put your keys in your pocket.
• Don’t leave your car at a pump and go inside to buy something. Re-park your car closer to the convenience store.
• Don’t leave your keys or your cell phone in the car.
• Don’t fill up if you’re the only vehicle.
• Don’t have your vehicle nose out to fill up.

If you contact CAPS (CAPS.019district@chicagopolice.org) or Alderwoman Clay (info@46thward.com), please copy info@gracelandwest.org. 

If you are interested in participating in our Block Rep program, please reach out to info@gracelandwest.org.