Robbery, burglary, AGG battery, sexual assault, theft, carjacking, and pickpocketings have added up to a total of 34,049 total crime incidents around the city of Chicago in 2022 alone, according to an article published by Cove Home Security Organization. This prominence of crime in Parker’s back yard has touched the Parker community in many instances.

With their expertise and experience, Parker security officers have  witnessed incidents of crime throughout their career. They apply that experience to their work protecting the school. As a correctional officer at Stateville Correctional Center, Parker Security Officer Tanal Bolden has specialized in protecting buildings from break-ins or burglary.

“We make sure all of the doors are locked and all of the windows, especially on the first floor,” Bolden said. “You can really climb in through a window easily on the first floor, so we just make sure everything is locked up.”

One night after work, Bolden witnessed a carjack on Webster Avenue. He claims one must be “vigilant and careful” at all times to best avoid personal exposure to crime. 

Parker Security Guard Greg Reams recalled various crime incidents that occurred close to Parker.

“A few years ago, we had a range of smash and grabs in the neighborhood,” Reams said. “It affected a lot of Parker parents. They would park their cars and come in, but they would leave their purses visible on the seats. So, make sure to not keep your car running and not to leave any items visible in your car.”

Many Parker students have had direct experiences with crime near school and close to home. Senior Lydia Blasko often rides public transportation to and from school. She noted that one of the most critical factors of riding Chicago public transportation is preparing for frequent incidents. These include pickpocketing and harassment.  

“I make sure my phone is in my pocket, same with my wallet,” Blasko said. “I always hold on to my backpack. I usually try to sit next to a woman.” 

Pickpocketing and harassment frequently occur, accounting for most of the 1,152 total Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) crimes in 2021. Within these incidents, bus drivers can help stop the conflict, but some don’t take action. Blasko has experience with this. 

“I think bus drivers should have more authority in situations,” Blasko said. “If there is an incident, they should have more authority. There just needs to be more involvement.”

Sophomore Zach Maple  was directly affected in his neighborhood last winter. Several burglars broke into his house on a cold night as he was leaving.

“I was angry, sad, and scared. I just didn’t understand why it happened to us and how we have had nothing to deserve it,” Maple said. “I have always thought that we could get robbed but didn’t think it would actually happen.” Maple noted that situations like this could easily happen anywhere.

“It’s happened to other houses too,” Maple said. “It’s about being aware of surroundings. Other than that, it’s really hard to know when, where, and how.”

Along with affecting Chicagoans daily lives, crime can also drop the value of city properties. Real estate workers have been affected by Chicago Crime. Engel & Völkers Real Estate Agent Jennifer Ames describes the growing awareness Chicago citizens have about crime affected by social media.

 “You know one of the questions is, is crime really up or is the crime that’s really happening amplified by social media,” Ames said. “If it was twenty years ago and crimes were to happen, many people wouldn’t know about it.”

Living in a city will always require being vigilant of wrongdoing and danger but should not require paranoia.