Chicago’s overall violent crime reached a two‑decade high in aggravated assaults (8,039 incidents) and aggravated batteries (9,132) during 2024 illinoispolicy.org+2illinoispolicy.org+2crimelab.uchicago.edu+2. While these issues impact the entire city, certain neighborhoods stand out for alarmingly high violent and property crime rates — making them prime candidates for enhanced security measures like deadbolts or smart locks. In this post, we’ll spotlight five neighborhoods with data-backed insights on crime levels and explain exactly how modern locks can help you protect your home and loved ones.
1. West Garfield Park
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Crime stats: Overall crime ~257–379% above Chicago average; murder rate skyrocketing; shooting rate ~950 per 100K en.wikipedia.org+1pelhamplus.com+1.
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Why upgrade: High risk of forcible entry and violent incidents means traditional locks may not suffice.
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Lock solutions:
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ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt (e.g., Schlage B60N) offers maximum resistance to kick-ins thespruce.com+3thespruce.com+3thespruce.com+3.
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Smart lock with remote alerts (e.g., Yale Assure Lock SL) lets you monitor entries in real time and lock doors instantly thespruce.com+2thespruce.com+2thespruce.com+2.
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2. Washington Park
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Crime stats: Crime rate nearly 300% above national average; violent crime, robbery, and assault particularly high crimelab.uchicago.edu+8newsbreak.com+8voyagerland.com+8.
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Why upgrade: Neighborhoods with high street-level crime also see elevated break-in rates.
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Lock solutions:
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Keypad deadbolt (e.g., Schlage BE365) eliminates vulnerability of lost keys and allows customizable codes thespruce.com+3thespruce.com+3thespruce.com+3.
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Smart lock with activity log alerts you when someone tries to tamper.
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3. Englewood / West Englewood
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Crime stats: ~9,000–9,550 crimes per 100K — roughly double Chicago average; violent crime and property crime consistently high abouttownmagazines.com+4propertyclub.nyc+4voyagerland.com+4.
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Why upgrade: Frequent burglaries and robberies mean securing all access points—including backdoors and garages—is critical.
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Lock solutions:
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Biometric smart locks (e.g., Kwikset Halo Touch) simplify entry while offering fingerprint access — great if hands are full thespruce.com+1thespruce.com+1.
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Reinforced strike plates paired with ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts boost resistance to forced entry.
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4. North Lawndale
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Crime stats: Crime rate ~198% above city average (~10,606 per 100K); violent crime ~3,003 per 100K (a 1 in 34 chance of victimization) thespruce.com+1thespruce.com+1voyagerland.com+3propertyclub.nyc+3pelhamplus.com+3.
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Why upgrade: Systemic crime makes external perimeter security (doors, windows) vital.
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Lock solutions:
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Wi‑Fi smart deadbolts (e.g., Yale Assure Lock 2) integrate with safety ecosystems and can be controlled remotely thespruce.com+2thespruce.com+2thespruce.com+2.
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Secure window locks and motion‑sensor lighting complement lock upgrades.
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5. East Garfield Park
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Crime stats: ~10,195 crimes per 100K; ~2,800 violent and ~7,500 property crimes in 2022; ~1 in 10 chance of victimization propertyclub.nyc+1pelhamplus.com+1.
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Why upgrade: Persistent burglary trends require robust locking solutions on side and rear entrances.
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Lock solutions:
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Touchscreen keypad deadbolts (e.g., Schlage Camelot BE365) allow quick locking—especially handy for families with children thespruce.com+1thespruce.com+1.
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Smart retrofit kits like August Wi‑Fi Smart Lock allow remote lockdown from anywhere thespruce.com+2thespruce.com+2thespruce.com+2.
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💡 Why Lock Upgrades Matter in High‑Crime Areas
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Stronger physical resistance | ANSI Grade 1 locks withstand forced entry tactics. |
| Smart alerts & log tracking | Smart locks send instant notifications and record entry events. |
| Keyless access & code control | Keypads and biometrics eliminate lost keys and allow tailored permission. |
| Remote access & automation | Lock/unlock from anywhere and integrate with security systems. |
Top 2025 smart lock choices—such as Yale Assure Lock 2, Kwikset Halo Touch, and Schlage BE365—deliver Grade 1/2 security, app/wifi access, reliable customization, and some biometric options reddit.comthespruce.com+3thespruce.com+3thespruce.com+3.
Chicago neighborhoods with crime rates ~2–3× city averages—like West Garfield Park, Washington Park, Englewood, North Lawndale, and East Garfield Park—are excellent candidates for lock upgrades. Whether it’s reinforcing your existing deadbolt or installing smart locks with remote control and activity tracking, taking proactive steps will give you peace of mind and tangible security.
Next Steps:
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Call Nonstop Locksmith Chicago to schedule a free security consultation.
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Ask about on-site door reinforcement and smart lock installation.
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Mention this blog for a 10% discount on any deadbolt or smart lock upgrade package!
Protecting your Chicago home starts with the right lock — and with Nonstop Locksmith Chicago, you’ll always be secure, connected, and ready.