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The University City District has released its monthly crime update, which provides statistics on serious crimes in the area, such as aggravated assaults, robberies (armed and not armed), and burglaries. In October, 39 robberies, aggravated assaults and residential burglaries were reported in the area, and nine arrests were made in these cases, according to the report.

The report shows a sharp increase in residential burglaries – from five in July to over 20 per month in the period from August to October. This is also higher than in the fall of 2012-2014 when from 10 to 15 burglaries were reported monthly. The map shows an increase in burglaries in the western edge of the district.

Some good news is that after last month’s arrest of a suspect in connection with a string of burglaries in Powelton Village, crime numbers have fallen dramatically in that area.

Here are also useful tips from UCD on protecting your porch or residence: 

• Lock your doors and windows. This includes patio doors and windows on upper floors. Burglaries have occurred where entry was made on 2nd or 3rd floor unlocked patio doors and windows.

• Be wary of ordering packages if you are not home to receive them. Potential thieves see packages on front porches, in vestibules, or on stoops as an easy target. If you need items shipped, consider sending them to your office, work, school, or to a friend who is able to receive them during the day.

• There has been an uptick in reports of bicycle thefts from porches, so consider finding alternate storage. If you have to store your bike on your porch, consider buying heavy duty bike locks, including chains for the wheels.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Get to know your neighbors, and get to know your apartment staff. If you see someone “working” on an apartment you don’t recognize as staff, check with the apartment office, or call 911. If, for example, you observe someone “working” on an apartment door and it’s after normal business hours, contact apartment management or 911.