A pattern of bicycle thefts that began this fall ended in December when police arrested and charged Stephen McCatskill. McCatskill, who pleaded guilty, is currently serving a 90 -day sentence at the Cook County Jail. Police said they have seen a sharp decrease in the number of bicycle thefts since McCatskill’s incarceration.

The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) has detected an ongoing series of burglaries in the community. Since late October, 19 local businesses were forcibly entered by either breaking or removing front or rear doors. The SECC said that they are continuing to work closely with the University Police as well as Chicago Police to find the offender(s).

A strong-arm robbery occurred on Jan. 2, at approximately 11:55 P.M. A male victim walking alone on the 5300 block of S. Ellis was confronted by a man who requested a cigarette. The victim stated that he did not have one and continued to walk northbound. Upon reaching his residence, the victim was approached from the rear by the offender who struck him in the back of the head. The victim fell to the ground at which time the offender reached in his pocket and took his wallet. The offender, who is described as a black male approximately 30 years old, 6’3” with a heavy build and dark complexion was last seeing running southbound on Ellis.