Stay safe

Stay safe in Chicago

Short tips from the Chicago Police, the CTA and the City, each linked to its source, with where and when reports are most common.

911Crime in progress, or a threat to life or safety.OEMC: 9-1-1
311It already happened and the offender is gone: file a police report or ask for non-emergency police help.City: 311 vs 911
On the CTATrain intercom under the blue light, platform call box, or 1-888-YOUR-CTA.CTA: Security
Community alertsCPD notices of recent crime patterns, by district.CPD: Community alerts

On the CTA · where and when, Nov 4, 2025 – Nov 3, 2026

On the CTA

Theft at CTA stations, trains, buses and stops, Nov 4, 2025 – Nov 3, 2026By line and hour →

Lines, most per ride: Red 1 per 310,000 ridesGreen 1 per 330,000Blue 1 per 380,000
Lines, fewest of 7 ranked: Brown 1 per 680,000 ridesPink 1 per 580,000Purple 1 per 520,000
Stretches, most per ride: Red Line, 79th – 95th/Dan Ryan 1 per 120,000 rides
Most dangerous: 8 pm–12 am: 1 per 170,000 rides · 4–8 pm: 1 per 650,000
Safest: 8 am–noon: 1 per 910,000 rides · noon–4 pm: 1 per 800,000 · 12–4 am not rated

576 reports · 1 per X rides: smaller X = more often

Stay awake and look up now and then; don't get lost in your phone or a book. Keep headphones low.CTA: Safety & security
Keep bags zipped and on your lap or between your feet; wallet in a front pocket.CTA: Safety & security
A sudden argument or commotion can be staged to distract you: hold on to your things.CTA: Safety & security
Check the tracker before you leave so you wait less, and have your fare ready.CTA: Owl service map
Late at night, stay near the station's agent on duty, and take an aisle seat so you can move if you need to.CPD: Personal safety tips
Need help on a train? Use the intercom under the blue light. On platforms, use the emergency call box.CTA: Security

Walking & nightlife · where and when, Nov 9, 2025 – Nov 8, 2026

People shot, Nov 9, 2025 – Nov 8, 2026Map →

Most per resident: Englewood 1 in 280 residents shotNorth Lawndale 1 in 400Greater Grand Crossing 1 in 410
Fewest per resident: Norwood Park noneBridgeport nonePortage Park 1 in 63,000 residents shot
Times, by reports: most 8 pm–12 am (29%) · fewest 8 am–noon (7%)
8 pm–4 am: 54% of shootings with a time
Assault: Nov 4, 2025 – Nov 3, 2026: most noon–4 pm (24%) · fewest 4–8 am (7%)

1,814 people shot · 1 in X residents shot: smaller X = more often

Stick to busy, well-lit streets, and walk with friends when you can.CPD: Personal safety tips
Heading home after dark? Tell someone when to expect you and how you're getting there.CPD: Safe & Sound
At a bar, never lose sight of your drink.CPD: Safe & Sound
Have your keys out before you reach the door, and keep one hand free.CPD: Robbery safety tips
If you feel threatened, go into the nearest open store or business and call 911.CPD: Robbery safety tips

Cars: theft, break-ins, carjacking

Lock it and take the keys or fob. Never leave it running unattended, not even to warm up on a cold morning.CPD: Protect your vehicle
Park in well-lit spots or a secure garage, and keep bags and valuables out of sight.CPD: Personal safety tips
A brake or steering lock, an alarm, a tracker or VIN etching make a car harder to steal and easier to trace.CPD: Protect your vehicle
Be alert where drivers stop: driveways, parking lots, gas stations, ATMs and red lights. Doors locked, windows up, room to pull away.CPD: Carjacking prevention
Watch for the bump-and-run: someone rear-ends you, then takes the car when you get out. If it feels off, note what you can and call 911.CPD: Carjacking prevention
If someone demands your car, give it up and get away. Tell them if a child is inside. Call 911.CPD: Carjacking prevention

Home & packages

Lock doors and windows, even when you're home. Lock side gates too.CPD: Burglary checklist
Light entrances and gangways and trim shrubs, so no one can work unseen.CPD: Burglary checklist
Away for a while? Put lights on timers and ask a neighbor to pick up mail and packages.CPD: Burglary safety tips
Track deliveries, ask for a signature, or send them to a pickup locker, the post office or a neighbor you trust.CPD: Package theft tips
Package stolen? Report it through 311 or at your district, and contact the retailer.CPD: Package theft tips
Keep photos or a list of valuables with serial numbers.CPD: Burglary checklist

Phones & robbery · where and when, Nov 4, 2025 – Nov 3, 2026

Robbery on the CTA, Nov 4, 2025 – Nov 3, 2026CTA by hour →

Lines, most per ride: Red 1 per 470,000 ridesGreen 1 per 540,000
Stretches: none with 30+ reports
Most dangerous: 8 pm–12 am: 1 per 230,000 rides · 4–8 am: 1 per 1,400,000
Safest: 8 am–noon: 1 per 2,300,000 rides · noon–4 pm: 1 per 1,800,000 · 12–4 am not rated

289 reports · 1 per X rides: smaller X = more often

Walking alone? Skip the headphones and phone calls, and look around.CPD: Robbery safety tips
On a bus or train, don't get absorbed in your phone; keep electronics in a zipped bag when you're not using them.CTA: Safety & security
Keep jewelry out of sight, and skip bulky bags so one hand stays free.CPD: Robbery safety tips
If someone demands your phone or property, hand it over. You matter more than any phone.CPD community alert, May 2026
Don't chase. Note what they looked like, call 911 and stay on scene if you can.CPD community alert, May 2026