04/24/2014
Elburn, Sugar Grove among safest cities in Illinois
Published: Tuesday, April 8, 2014 11:58 p.m. CDT
Two communities in western Kane County are among the top 50 safest places to live in Illinois, according to a report released late last month.
Using FBI crime statistics and independent research, SafeWise ranked Sugar Grove 11th and Elburn 18th in its report titled “50 Safest Cities in Illinois.”
The Elburn and Sugar Grove police chiefs said the rankings were not only a reflection of their officers but their residents as well. They described their community members as proactive, willing to call police when something is happening.
“It’s a cooperative effort between the police department and the citizens,” Elburn Police Chief Steve Smith said. “It takes everybody working together to make this happen.”
Nearby Campton Hills was ranked fourth. Round Lake Park, Lake Forest, Western Springs and Inverness rounded out the top five.
“I’m excited to be part of this grouping,” Sugar Grove Police Chief Pat Rollins said.
To be eligible for consideration, communities had to have at least 5,000 residents as of 2012. They also needed to meet criteria regarding violent and property crimes, according to the report.
SafeWise calculated the chance of violent crimes – which includes aggravated assault, r**e, murder and robbery – and property crimes – such as arson, burglary and theft – happening out of 1,000 residents.
The No. 1 safest city – Round Lake Park – had a reported zero violent crimes per 1,000 people and 1.06 property crimes per 1,000 people. Sugar Grove’s statistics came in at 0.33 for violent crimes and 5.72 for property crimes. Elburn’s were slightly higher at 0.53 and 6.71, respectively.
In addition to noting that Sugar Grove had only three violent crimes in 2012, SafeWise highlighted the village’s signature summer festival.
“A proud community spirit is also evident at the annual Sugar Grove Corn Boil, where good times go hand-in-hand with good works,” the report states, noting the event raises money for nonprofit organizations.
Elburn, meanwhile, was recognized for its population growth between 2000 and 2010.
“While Elburn expands, they still keep their eye on the health and safety of residents and visitors,” the report states. “The Elburn Police Department takes care of Elburn from providing school and car seat safety to sponsoring the Great Shake Out event, focusing on earthquake preparedness and safety.”
Visit http://www.safewise.com/blog/50-safest-cities-illinois/ for the full report.
Top 20 safest cities in Illinois
1. Round Lake Park
2. Lake Forest
3. Western Springs
4. Campton Hills
5. Inverness
6. Gilberts
7. Chester
8. Pinckneyville
9. Winfield
10. Waterloo
11. Sugar Grove
12. Glen Carbon
13. Lindenhurst
14. Hawthorn Woods
15. Maryville
16. Channahon
17. Monticello
18. Elburn
19. Beardstown
20. Willow Springs
Source: The SafeWise Report
There’s nothing more important than the safety and security of your home and loved ones. In addition to being smart about home security, it’s just as vital to understand your community’s record for keeping residents safe and sound. SafeWise understands
