DeKALB | The perceived increase in Greek Row crime has local Greek organizations concerned.

Some denizens of Greenbrier Road believe a substantial amount of this criminal behavior comes from street gang members entering from surrounding areas and causing various disturbances in the area. Stemming from recent incidents, residents are calling for change.

Keri Burchfield, a criminologist and NIU assistant sociology professor, said the current situation on Greek Row has a lot to do with what criminologists call “the opportunity theory.”

“Criminals see that Greek Row has a lot of areas that go unoccupied for long periods of time,” she said. “They see college students with valuables like iPods, Sidekicks and other portable electronics. They take that opportunity and then they leave, which means they aren’t punished.”

Burchfield’s theory coincided with some resident’s beliefs.

“I always try to walk in groups, I think that is just far safer.” said Greek Row resident Katelyn Webb.

Webb said she hasn’t experienced any crime personally. From her perception, however, it appears to be the non-residents who cause trouble.

“It is almost always other people,” she said. “It is never really the Greeks.”

The police department said they haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary recently.

“I don’t think Greek Row is any worse than it usually is,” said Lt. Jim Kayes of the DeKalb Police Department. “We do get a lot of street muggings.”

Kayes said police typically find two types of crimes while patrolling Greek Row. The first is alcohol-related crime, which Kayes said tends to be committed by those living on Greenbrier Road.

“We catch a lot of kids with liquor,” he said. “Northern is big party spot.”

The second type is violent crime. These offenses, however, tend to be committed by people from neighboring towns.

“As for violent crimes, like muggings, more than half of those are committed by non-residents,” Kayes said. “Crimes like car break-ins and robberies also tend to be committed by non-residents.”

Kayes said residents should take precautions when out at night.

“Usually the victims on Greek Row are walking around drunk late at night and they run into the wrong person,” he said.

Kayes suggested residents of the Greek Row area remember to lock their doors, be aware of their surroundings and to walk in groups at night.