Oak Park Police investigated 238 more crimes in 2022 than in 2021, pushing the overall crime rate up about 11 percent, according to data compiled by the Police Department for the FBI’s National Incident Based Reporting System used by law enforcement agencies in the United States for collecting and reporting data on crimes.
The biggest increase came in motor vehicle thefts as there were 266 in 2022 compared to 71 in 2021. The uptick reflects a trend across the region and country as Hyundai and Kia models manufactured from 2010 to 2021 have been targeted because they use a mechanical key to start rather than a key fob and push-button.
Oak Park Police investigated 3,349 crimes in 2022, compared to 3,011 in 2021. Thefts and property crimes that historically represent the largest share of lawbreaking in the Village remained the biggest categories in 2022.
2022 crime summary
• Thefts were up last year — there were 1,198 reports in 2022 compared to 884 in 2021 — but burglaries were down — 173 in 2022 compared to 311 in 2021. Police officials say locking garage doors and keeping a watchful eye on personal belongings are among the best deterrents to these crimes of opportunity.
• The number of assault and battery cases was up slightly in 2022, as police investigated 546 incidents in 2022 compared to 538 in 2021.
• The death of an 18-year-old female in June was one of three homicides reported in 2022, and two individuals were arrested in the case. Police continue to investigate the other two homicides with the aid of regional, state and federal agencies.
• Police investigated 1,889 traffic-related incidents in 2022. Of those incidents, 606 occurred in intersections, 34 involved pedestrians and 30 involved bicycles. By comparison, there were 1,909 traffic-related incidents in 2021, 648 of which occurred in an intersection, 35 of which involved a bicycle and 25 of which involved a pedestrian.
For more information about the Oak Park Police Department, visit www.oak-park.us/police, call 708.386.3800 or email police@oak-park.us.