Buffalo Grove, Bartlett among country's safest towns, according to research firm
Bartlett and Buffalo Grove are among the 20 safest communities in the United States, according to a report issued recently by the community research firm Neighborhood Scout.
The villages ranked 15th and 20th, respectively, on the firm's "2014 Safest Cities in America" list, which is based on the total number of crimes per 1,000 residents in communities with populations above 25,000. Crimes include burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, homicide, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault.
Other Chicago suburbs on the list include North Chicago (14th), Wheaton (51st), Glenview (54th), Mundelein (56th), Hanover Park (72nd), Park Ridge (75th), Carol Stream (77th), Arlington Heights (87th), West Chicago (90th), Glen Ellyn (92nd) and Palatine (96th).
"It really is a testament to the community as a whole," Buffalo Grove Police Chief Steve Casstevens said in a news release regarding the report. "This achievement doesn't just belong to the police department, it belongs to the whole village."
The statistics are based on data provided to the FBI for the 2012 calendar year. It is the most recent national data available, according to Neighborhood Scout.
"This award confirms what we've always known about Buffalo Grove," Village President Jeff Braiman said. "Our residents, law enforcement, village personnel and service providers work together to create the safest environment possible."
Franklin, Mass. ranked first overall, just ahead of Bergenfield, N.J., and Parma, Ohio.
South suburban Harvey ranked 32nd on the firm's list of most dangerous cities. It is the only Chicago suburb on that list.