Hanover Park sees 3rd consecutive drop in violent crime

The Hanover Park Police Department reports that “Part 1” crime — violent crime and certain property crimes — fell to an all-time low last year, marking the third consecutive decrease.

Part I crime is a benchmark used by the FBI to determine crime rates. Police said there were 480 Part I crimes in 2012 in Hanover Park, down 4 percent from 498 in 2011.

Police Chief David Webb attributed the reduction to the department focusing its efforts and resources on most-needed areas, as well as increased community involvement and information sharing to better identify problems. The department also continues to use its Area Response Team initiative, a community policing strategy in which action plans are developed based on officers knowing their neighborhoods and developing intelligence.