Safety in Naperville has never been a real issue in Naperville. In past years, we’ve been voted as one of the top places in the country to live. Most of the time, police can be seen driving around Naperville giving citizens a good feeling about where they live. Crime is never a top issue and doesn’t really seem like it has to be. But truly, how safe is Naperville? Is crime rampant in the streets and people refuse to notice? Is any house the perfect target for murderers and thieves? Well, the truth is, no, not really. But there are some facts that may surprise the citizens of this suburban city.
Two well known neighborhoods in Naperville go by the names White Eagle and Tall Grass. Many students who attend Neuqua Valley High School reside in these neighborhoods. But what may set them apart from other neighborhoods? The fact that they both are monitored by 24/7 security detail is the reason. Each is watched over by A&R security and American Tech security respectively. Although they are each comprised of maybe one of two cars that drive around, it brings many homeowners and residents a feeling of comfort and safety needed to live normally. “I know when I drive around here, I’m making these streets safe. It’s really satisfying work.” says the A&R security driver in White Eagle. He’s been driving the streets of white eagle for 3 years now and usually works nights too. Although the driver in Tall Grass wasn’t available to talk to, residents in the area feel safe with them. Resident Ilya Fridman says “It’s a new thing around here, (the security) and to tell you the truth, it’s something that I could really get used to.” The company is relatively new but already looks like it can handle the job. On the other hand, police are patrolling neighborhoods around the clock to prevent theft and speeding in a low speed neighborhood.
Along with security detail, most modern homes (as Naperville is a very modern community) have a security system installed into the house. These are able to detect break ins through windows or other areas that would not usually accessed even when the normal residents are still inside. For even more protection, some houses can sense anything that moves on the lower levels of the house, seeing as if someone with a two story house would probably sleep upstairs. This is a very tight and perhaps unforgiving form of security, and can sometimes backfire if one accidentally walks back downstairs. Other than that, the system is proven to work quite well. “The security system we have works pretty well I feel and when I turn it on each night, I feel pretty safe no matter what happens.” says student Meg Aper. “Even though I do trip it on accident sometimes, it’s certainly better than no protection at all.” Popular security systems in Naperville are ADT and Brinks.
Overall, Naperville is still a very safe place to live. Theft reports are usually low every month and when reported are usually related to things that were either left outside or when a garage is left open. This is actually called garage hopping and seems to be one of the most “popular” forms of theft in Naperville. While still as serious as a break in, the owner could have done something prevent it. Most reports are almost never related to someone breaking and entering in to a house or apartment complex. The murder rate is incredibly low and death usually relates to old age. So while one sleeps at night in Naperville, be thankful most of those who live here are good people and when the bad do come around, we have the right resources and preventions to stop them in their tracks. Safety is just something we really don’t need to worry about in this town thanks to the people and technology used to keep it that way everyday.
By Tyler Piantanida, staff writer
