Enhanced intelligence and greater flexibility in deploying Waukegan police officers contributed to a significant drop in crime over the past year, according to local officials.
Between January 1 and this past Sunday, the overall crime rate in Waukegan decreased by 11.76% compared to the same period last year. Notably, crimes against persons fell by 9.5%. The murder rate dropped 40%, while reports of rape declined by 44.44%.
“We increased the number of officers on patrol, particularly at night,” Police Chief Edgar Navarro explained. “We increased the number of investigations. We moved people around. We increased the number of detectives in the criminal investigation unit. We used the drug and gang unit.”
Deputy Police Chief Elias Agaliano presented the updated crime report to the City Council’s Public Safety Committee on Monday at City Hall. When asked by Alderman Juan Martinez, 3rd Ward and committee chair, about the dramatic decrease in crime, Agaliano credited the dedication of Waukegan’s officers.
“I have to give credit to the officers on the street doing their job and knowing what’s going on every day,” Agaliano said. “Even with all the distractions, they’re doing a fantastic job.”
Among the notable statistics for crimes against individuals, Agaliano reported three homicides so far this year, compared to five last year—a 40% decline. Rape cases dropped from 72 to 40, marking a 44.44% decrease. Aggravated assault cases fell from 219 to 164, a 25.11% reduction. Simple assault decreased slightly from 762 to 750 cases, a 1.57% decline, while statutory rape numbers remained unchanged at five for both years.
Overall, total crimes against individuals declined 9.5%, from 1,063 to 962 cases, largely due to the consistent numbers of simple assault.
Crimes against property—such as burglary, robbery, and car theft—also saw meaningful reductions. Total property crimes dropped from 2,091 last year to 1,821 this year—a 12.91% decrease. Specifically, burglaries dropped 44.34% from 221 to 123, arson incidents fell 40% from 10 to 6, and stolen cars declined 35.61%. Robberies dipped 16.33%, from 49 to 41, while cases of destruction of property fell 11.93%.
The only offenses that increased were thefts, which rose 10.52%, from 618 to 683, and fraud, which edged up 1.96%, from 153 to 156. Forgeries and counterfeiting (reported together) dropped 24.14%, from 29 to 21.
Overall, the total number of reported crimes in Waukegan fell by 11.76%, from 3,154 to 2,783.
Mayor Sam Cunningham noted that the decline in crime extends beyond Waukegan, affecting neighboring communities like North Chicago and Zion, thanks to enhanced cooperation and shared intelligence between police departments.
“We are taking preventive measures,” Cunningham said. “We’re able to stop things before they happen.”
Chief Navarro highlighted the impact of the reinstituted community policing unit, which has established strong ties throughout Waukegan’s neighborhoods. Residents are now more willing to report problems to police, and the 411 tip line has become a valuable resource.
“There is a lot more communication, and we are able to act on the information,” Navarro said. “Responses to the 411 tip line have increased. People are using it because they know they can remain anonymous.”
Mayor Cunningham also emphasized the growing cooperation between the police and the community. He frequently attends neighborhood police meetings and sees firsthand the positive impact.
“It makes a world of difference,” Cunningham said. “We all believe neighborhood policing is effective. We believe people can see that.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/05/waukega-city-council-crime-rate/
