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It may not seem like it - considering the rash of burglaries and attempted burglaries across Beverly and Mount Greenwood in recent weeks - but the Chicago Police Department is confirming that both violent and property crimes are down.

This despite this morning's police protest at police headquarters at 35th and Michigan, where hundreds of officers called on Supt. Jody Weis to step down. His contract expires next March.

The hour-long march was designed to highlight what the union says are inefficiencies in how officers are detailed to other assignments -- and that police are understaffed by about 2,000 officers.

Yet back in the 22nd District, violent crimes are down 16.7% since last year, and property crimes are down 4.9%.

But look a little closer, and the details aren't as rosy: criminal sexual assault is up more than 15%, and vehicle thefts are up almost 13%.

Burglary, which was reported to be down 18.5%, is on the rise, though. More than a dozen burglaries and other thefts have occurred in just the last few weeks - namely in North Beverly as well as the eastern portion of Mount Greenwood.

Could the lack of beat officers have an impact on the increase in these crimes? One would think so.

What do you think?