BELLEVILLE, Ill. — A number of Belleville, Illinois, business owners are concerned that an uptick in crime is keeping customers away.
Despite being in business for six years, Dave Dyer, the owner of Cosmic Comics, said business is far from booming in downtown Belleville.
"We've got vacancies down here,” Dave Dyer said. “My wife and I always say what's the draw down here. I think it's dangerous. A lot of places close up early now."
While many businesses struggled to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic Dyer said crime is keeping people away.
"Last year, during one of the festivals, right up the street here somebody was shot and murdered,” Dyer said.
According to crime statistics provided by the Belleville Police Department, there was a 2% drop in crime in 2023.
In the first two months of 2024, crime is up 49% year over year.
"I do have concern as a business owner,” Tisha Winkelmann said. “I wonder about security and that type of thing."
"Nobody really feels 100% safe down here,” Dyer said.
According to Lt. Col. Mark Heffernan with the Belleville Police Department, the uptick in crime isn’t unique to Belleville, but rather a regional issue.
“The increase in crime is largely tied to the stolen vehicle epidemic that has plagued this region for some time focusing mostly on Kia’s and Hyundai’s,” Heffernan said. “We have seen increases in burglary, vehicle theft and criminal damage to property which are all related to vehicle thefts and attempts. Two months is an extremely limited sample to compare year-over-year percentages; but obviously, we are concerned and implementing strategies to proactively address the uptick.”
"I've been watching the area and for the most part it's pretty safe,” Winkelmann said. “Just like anywhere else you have to be careful."
Belleville police have already vowed to step up foot patrols this spring and recently received grant funding to expand their network of street cameras.
Dyer said he believes Belleville city leaders need to take action sooner rather than later.
"Wake up,” Dyer said. “How about you come in and actually talk to the shop owners? That would be a big step. Instead of talking to other politicians come in and talk to us. That would be great. Come in, walk through the door, we have a lot to tell you."