Ald. Devon Reid (8th), who sought to repeal the city’s ban on possession of burglar’s tools, pulled back from that proposal this week.
Repeal of the city ordinance would still leave residents subject to prosecution under a similar state law with harsher penalties.
At Monday’s Human Services Committee meeting, Reid falsely claimed that Evanston Now had misrepresented his position on the burglar’s tools issue, but the packet prepared for the meeting by city staff makes clear his proposal, as Evanston Now reported, was to remove the city’s ban on their possession.
Ald. Juan Geracaris (9th) suggested that the city instead amend the ordinance to match the phrasing of state law.
The state statute requires proof by the state of intent to break into a property for conviction, while the existing city ordinance would require a person charged to show they had a lawful purpose in possessing the tools.
Corporation Counsel Nicholas Cummings backed the suggestion by Geracaris and the amended proposal was approved by the committee on a 4-0 vote.
The state statute has potential penalties including jail time, while the city ordinance penalties are limited to a fine.
The amended proposal now moves to the full City Council for action.
Thank God I grew up in Evanston many years ago! When the schools were excellent and crime was virtually nonexistent. Evidently the town has progressed slowly downward. It’s heartbreaking!