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A slew of residential burglaries and robberies during the past month have Carbondale police officers working overtime, said Carbondale Police Chief Jody O’Guinn.
More than 23 residential burglaries have been reported for October, according to the department’s online news releases. O’Guinn said the department has sent out extra patrols and undercover officers to curb the spike in crime, which he said could be the result of the economic conditions.
“There has been in an increase in robberies more recently than anything,” O’Guinn said. “The total numbers are outrageous from years past.”
O’Guinn said police have taken individuals into custody for some of the robberies that occurred, none of whom fit a common description. Police have arrested juveniles, adults, homeless persons, residents and non-residents, he said.
“It all tends to lead one to believe it’s an economy-based issue,” O’Guinn said.
D. Gorton, ex-officio of the Arbor District Neighborhood Association, a group of Carbondale residents for neighborhood improvement, praised O’Guinn’s department for its increase in public communication.
“(O’Guinn) has really kicked up the reporting schedule so were getting far more information than we’ve ever got before,” said Gorton. “As a result, we’re able to think a little more about patterns so that we can take some precautions in the neighborhood.”
Despite noticing increased patrols and plainclothes officers in his neighborhood, Gorton said it’s still not safe for college students to be out at 1 or 2 a.m.
“Nobody wants to go home at dark; it’s like you’re 12,” Gorton said. “They shouldn’t have to take their lives in their hands when they go out in the streets at night.”
The police may have stepped up patrols, but they still haven’t determined where these criminals are coming from, Gorton said.
Gorton said he disagrees with O’Guinn’s assessment that there’s not a common description among suspects, but officers have to be careful of profiling.
O’Guinn said one of the best ways to prevent burglaries other than keeping doors and windows secured is to make friends with your neighbors.
“They’ll be some of your best allies. Alarms are great and a huge deterrent to individuals, especially to opportunist,” O’Guinn said.
O’Guinn said the police department’s resources are stretched thin but isn’t understaffed.
“Our guys here are hard workers and very tenacious and I have confidence ... that we’re going to get these (crimes) resolved,” he said.
Nick Johnson can be reached at nickj39@siu.edu or 536-3311 ext. 263
