Elgin group urges lighting up to fight crime

The United Way of Elgin and city officials are asking residents to leave their lights on in response to the city's recent rash of gang violence.

Volunteers will be hitting the streets Wednesday to hand out light bulbs and ask neighbors to leave their porch lights on every night from dusk until dawn.

"All of the research has proven that neighborhoods that are well-lit reduce crime," said Diane O'Connor, United Way of Elgin's community impact director. "This is our attempt to make our Elgin neighborhoods safer."

The "Bright Lights and Safe Nights" campaign was organized by city officials, Elgin police and the United Way of Elgin's neighborhoods matter council.

The initiative was started in response to the seven gang-related shootings over the summer in Elgin that left two people dead and seven injured.

O'Connor said keeping the lights on is one of the easiest ways for residents to make a difference in their neighborhoods.

"It's something so easy that as a resident, homeowner, for just pennies a day, keeping that porch light on will make a huge difference," O'Connor said. "Our ultimate goal is to have everyone light up their entranceway."

ComEd donated 5,500 energy-efficient light bulbs, which will be handed out door to door from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday in east-side neighborhoods.

Additional light bulbs will be available for pickup by all Elgin residents from 4 to 7 p.m. the next day at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way.

If you are interested in handing out light bulbs next week, call the United Way of Elgin offices at (847) 741-2259.

O'Connor said it will take as many as 75 volunteers to cover the neighborhoods.