Someone tried to get in our home last night as we slept in the 6500 block of Odell. They put our deck chairs up against the kitchen door (I guess looking for a hidden key above the door) and up against our kitchen window which unfortunately was NOT locked. (It is now!) They opened the kitchen window and two photographs were moved---one was found in the sink and one in the backyard. But, either our 120 lb dog scared them or something else and it doesn't appear that they got any farther then the kitchen window.

With Spring here and windows open it's time to be even more diligent. We will now be locking all windows and doors and leaving all outside lights on and hope you do the same.

Cops will come tonight to hopefully dust the window as there are some fingerprints on it.

You'll be lucky if the cops come by and dust for fingerprints.  Attempted break in at my house, no prints taken.  I'm not in Clifton and we have no website, but I am in the Second District and no alarms sounded out to my neighborhood on any website.    Many times, nothing done, just a "huh, must have been a drunk at the wrong house."  Excuse me?!!!   These people who are trying/ and have break/broken into our homes in the Second District have a free-for-all (just look at the stats).  Since the Metro-Link in Shrewsbury was installed crime has increased dramatically.   Check the St. Louis Metro P.D. website.  Our police force is not doing a thing to be  proactive to break the chain.  They are 10 miles behind the criminals.  Not enough officers to patrol our 11 mile district.  It's a reminder of the times.  Those people that tried to get into your home will do so again in time and get other persons home as well.  This area, 2nd district,  has become the easiest target and it's very frightening and I can't believe that more of you aren't outraged at the lack of police presence.   We, as the people, need to be vigilant.  Put video recorders up and good lighting  and be watchful of the people wandering on our streets.  It's time we police ourselves.  This is becoming North St. Louis.  Do you want that? 

Apparently, the police are looking for a white cargo van in connection with this break-in and another.  Be on the look out.

I hate to hear this news, but the tips given for deterring this crime are good.  Keep your doorways lit at all times.  The new energy efficient bulbs last forever and cost pennies to light. Keep bushes and shrubs trimmed so there are less hiding places.  Get to know your neighbors too.  I live on Hoffman and I have some of the best neighbors in the city and they're pretty aware of what's going on.  Of course, they don't see everything, but there are a few who notice if something isn't quite right.  And, no matter how small a theft or if something is attempted, call the police and file a report.  It does help them establish a pattern of activity in the neighborhood.  WE all have to work together to keep our neighborhood safe.