Police chief praises Elburn for low juvenile crime rate

Juvenile crime in Elburn in 2007 was almost non-existent, and Police Chief James Linane praised the community.

"The credit should go to the kids' parents, and the school system," he said. "We just don't have to deal with them (juvenile offenders)."

The statistics on the lack of juvenile crime were given to Elburn village board members this week as part of Linane's 2007 Annual Police Department Report.

According to the report, only nine juvenile offenses were reported in the village last year, down sharply from the already low figures of 2006.

"It's almost unbelievable to me. The kids in this town, it seems like they're just good kids," said Linane.

Overall, Linane's report showed that despite continuing rise in population, Elburn continues to maintain a relatively low crime rate.

In 2007, Elburn had 51 "Part 1" crimes, or more serious crimes which could include homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, burglary, or theft. This is the exact same number of such crimes reported in 2006.

"You can see how relatively safe Elburn is," Linane said, showing a comparison between crime statistics in the village, and areas all over the state of Illinois.

Linane also pointed out the increase in usage of the now year-old Metra station, saying that on average there are 50 more cars per day using the lot.

"I see this parking lot reaching its maximum in about a year," he said. "When we get to max it out, we really don't have anywhere to go."

The Elburn Police Department also several improvements last year including; expansion of officer skills, the promotion of two sergeants, expanded bulletproof-vest grant program to part-time officers, and promoted railroad safety through educational programs, field trips for grade schools, and enforcement.