Churchill Club Crime Spree Has Police Stepping Up Patrols

Justin Sather and his wife and children were one of the first residents of the Churchill Club subdivision seven years ago.

Sather is a criminal defense attorney and a former DuPage County prosecutor, so he knows a little bit about crime.  And even with all that experience Sather said he’s more than a little concerned about the recent spate of criminal activity that’s been occurring in this normally quiet neighborhood.

Over the course of the last month Oswego police have responded to at least three home break-ins or attempted break-ins. Gang graffiti was painted on a home, and several car burglaries have been reported. The latest taking place Wednesday night in the 400 block of Dancer Lane.

“I’ve always felt safe here, and I’m glad we live here,” Sather said. “I do have some concerns with some of the activity that’s been happening here of late.”

Oswego police, however, are taking action. Sather said volunteer officers canvassed the neighborhood Thursday with fliers warning residents of the burglaries and to lock their homes and cars.

“In the past five days Oswego police have responded to two residential burglaries in the Churchill Club subdivision near the intersection of Bluegrass Parkway and Fifth Street,” said a news release sent by police Thursday afternoon.

“These occurred in close proximity to each other and may be related. In each instance the unknown offender(s) entered through an unsecured door. Both occurred between midnight and 5 am. 

"Miscellaneous small items have been reported taken.  No home occupants have seen or had contact with the offender(s). … Police have increased patrol in the area but are asking for citizens to be aware of activity in their community and call police to report any suspicious subjects or activity.”

The recent activity also includes vandals pouring detergent into the subdivision’s fountain off Douglas Road on Wednesday night, causing a bubbling mess for blocks. Sather said he doesn't see the recent crime as a symptom of the neighborhood's decline.

“I don’t think it’s a neighborhood problem, and I don’t think the neighborhood is going down as a whole,” he said. “I do think this is a wake-up call though for a lot of people.”

As for Oswego police, Sather said it’s too early to say they’re not doing enough to protect residents.

“I don’t think it’s fair to say that about the police,” he said. “This has only been going on for a month or so. If this is still happening six months from now, then I would say we have a problem.”

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