Rising Crime is Threatening the Elmhurst We Love
We are organizing concerned residents to educate their neighbors, improve public policy at the local level, and make our community safer. Are you in?
The Crisis by the Numbers
Elmhurst’s public safety challenges aren’t abstract. They show up in police reports, 911 calls, and the daily worry of families who chose this community for its schools and neighborhoods.
Violent crime is rising fast
Violent crime in Elmhurst jumped from 18 incidents in 2023 to 27 in 2024—a 50% increase in one year. Even in a community known for safety, that trend demands attention.
Serious offenses are up
The Elmhurst Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report recorded increases in robbery and sexual assault, even as some property crimes declined. The crimes that shake families most are moving in the wrong direction.
Police are responding to more, not less
Elmhurst officers handled 42,984 calls for service in 2024—18,602 from 911 alone. Demand on local law enforcement is heavy, and residents feel it in longer response times and heightened anxiety.
Arrests are up—but so is the workload
The department made 1,492 arrests in 2024, up 16% from the prior year, including 452 felony charges. Police are doing more with the resources they have—but rising crime still outpaces the sense of security many residents expect.
What's Driving It
Policy Failures
Illinois SAFE-T Act and pretrial release
Statewide pretrial reforms mean violent and repeat offenders can be released quickly after arrest. When suspects cycle back onto the street, Elmhurst families—and officers—pay the price.
Weak accountability across county lines
Offenders don’t respect municipal borders. When prosecution or charging is inconsistent in neighboring jurisdictions, border communities like Elmhurst absorb repeat offenders and new incidents before local police can keep pace.
Stretched regional enforcement
Elmhurst added personnel and made more arrests in 2024, but western suburbs still depend on cross-jurisdiction coordination, pursuit policies, and shared intelligence. Gaps in regional enforcement leave gaps in neighborhood safety.
We Need Leaders Like You
Neighborhoods like yours don’t protect themselves. They’re protected by driven residents who show up, speak out, and take action.
Education
Learn how the Elmhurst City Council, DuPage County State’s Attorney, Elmhurst Police Department, and lawmakers in Springfield shape public safety where you live.
Connection
Connect with neighbors who share your concerns about rising crime in Elmhurst and who are ready to stand together for safer streets and stronger accountability.
Action
Get practical tools to participate in City Council meetings, county forums, and community safety initiatives—and to submit public comments when policy puts families at risk.
Support
Ongoing help from experienced community advocates who have successfully driven change in DuPage County and across Illinois.
Are You In?
Submit your information and our team will personally reach out to you.
We will never sell your or share your information.