Popular on Patch: Look Up Crime Stats in Your Community

Patch has created a searchable database of the FBI's recently released 2011 stats on violent crimes and property crimes.

Look Up Crime Stats in Your Community

Patch has created a searchable database of the FBI's recently released 2011 stats on violent crimes and property crimes.

The FBI recently released its 2011 Uniform Crime Report, which compiles information from local law enforcement about violent crimes and property crimes in their communities. Use the pull-down menu to find your city or town. Violent crimes and property crimes are listed as totals, and are then broken down into several categories. Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault are all categories of violent crimes. Burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson are all categories of property crimes. For more crime data or a further explanation of the types of crimes listed, you can visit the FBI's website.

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La Grange Connection: Infamous Diamond Thief Pleads Guilty in Chicago

Joseph “The Monk” Scalise pleaded guilty in court today for racketeering. The mob-connected thief gained international infamy when he helped steal the Marlborough Diamond in 1980.

Who would have thought that an attempted bank robbery in La Grange would play a role in the arrest of a mob connected thief? Does that sound like something out of a Hollywood movie? There's a connection there too, but yes, La Grange police did play a role in the arrest of Joseph Jerry "The Monk" Scalise, 74, who pleaded guilty in Chicago federal court today to four charges—including racketeering. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the plea deal could put the mob-connected thief away for nine years. Scalise gained infamy in 1980 when he helped steal the 45-carat Marlborough Diamond from a London jewelry store. The diamond has never been found, but Scalise was convicted and given 13 years in prison. According to the Associated Press, …

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La Grange Park Police Up Patrols Near Home of LT Employee Accused of Trafficking in Child Pornography

Police urge neighbors to serve as extra eyes in case Arger leaves his North Spring Avenue home.

La Grange Park Police are asking residents of Spring Road to remain vigilant and make sure Nathan Arger keeps to the terms of his release from federal custody. Earlier this week Arger, 32, was released on a $100,000 bond to the custody of his father, who resides at 538 N. Spring Ave. Under the terms of Arger’s release he is not to leave the property unless under authorized reasons set by the court. To assist the neighborhood watch, La Grange Park police, at the behest of the federal government, are circulating a flier to residents on the same block that includes a photo of Arger and details of the charges levied against him by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Police are asking neighbors to keep a watchful eye and report if they see …

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Attending FBI Academy Was, 'Experience of Lifetime,' Says La Grange Police Lt.

Renee Strasser says she will bring ideas, lessons learned to her department.

La Grange Police Lt. Renee Strasser is ready to use the knowledge and connections she got while attending the FBI National Academy program in Quantico, Va., back home in La Grange, IL. The program offers advanced investigative, management and fitness training for selected law enforcement officers having proven records as professionals in their agencies.  “It was an opportunity of a lifetime to work with and learn from police officers from all around the world,” she said about why she wanted to participate in the 10-week program. Some 246 law enforcement officers graduated with her June 10 out of the 250 originally enrolled. On average, these officers have 19 years of law enforcement experience and return to their agencies to serve in …

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