Community Crime Meeting in River Forest

Clarification: Menon says she's only the "unofficial spokesperson" for Friday's meeting, which is being organized by the William Court Condominium Association.

Earlier this summer, in a darkened parking lot tucked between a private university campus annex and a busy stretch of Harlem Avenue in River Forest.

One month later, just before sundown in the idyllic environs of the 1300 block of William Street, a 37-year-old woman was grabbed by a sex offender with a lengthy criminal record, tossed into his car and ultimately

Those recent crimes have prompted River Forest resident Pia Menon to organize a community safety meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at  , 7401 North Ave. in River Forest.

"People are complacent, they don’t think it could happen in River Forest," she said. "We can’t assume because it's a lovely, beautiful place, we're safe."

Menon, a 61-year-old immigration attorney and graduate of the old Rosary College, said the meeting is designed to raise awareness of crime trends, open up dialogue between residents and community leaders, and for neighbors to get to know one another. 

"We should at least recognize [our neighbors]," she said.

River Forest Police Deputy Chief Craig Rutz said he agrees with what Menon says about complacency toward crime, with a caveat.

"Fortunately, for what it's worth, our residents are well educated and intelligent and they don't generally fall for the kinds of things that get people into danger," he said. "There's the possibility though of being attacked where they are, and even then our residents are quick to call police."

Which is, police say, precisely what happened during the Aug. 11 attempted kidnapping. The department fielded "so many calls so quickly" in the moments after the attack, and the police response led to the arrest of 44-year-old Tracey Taylor, who was later charged with attempted aggravated criminal sexual assault, kidnapping, attempted robbery, aggravated battery and unlawful restraint.

Rutz, who will speak at Friday's meeting, said that's typical of the tightly knit blocks throughout the village. But is it enough? Could it ever be? Menon doesn't think so.

"We have to use common sense," she said. "We can’t be fearful but let’s be proactive."