Get your summer on
Article updated: 1/3/2013 8:27 AM

Aurora murder-free for first time since 1946

Buy this photo Buy this photo
next prev 1 of 2
   
Gallery Image

Aurora made it through an entire calendar year in 2012 without a murder for the first time since 1946

PAUL MICHNA | Staff Photographer ¬

Police Chief Greg Thomas says collaborations with state and federal authorities, police efforts to decrease gang involvement, programs run by community groups and an element of luck allowed Aurora to be murder-free in 2012.

PAUL MICHNA | Staff Photographer

About this Article

A year without a murder. That's what Aurora experienced in 2012. Illinois' second-largest city did not see a murder during an entire calendar year for the first time since 1946, and police Chief Greg Thomas says the lack of a homicide shows Aurora has moved away from its dangerous reputation. "I think the safety of Aurora has definitely improved," Thomas said.