After a series of car break-ins two weeks ago during Loufest, St. Louis Police say they are making crime prevention a priority at this weekend's Great Forest Park Balloon Race.
The event will be monitored by both uniformed and plain clothes officers. They’ll be using technology like cameras, license plate readers, and spike strips.
St. Louis City Police Chief Sam Dotson pointed out that, despite the recent break-ins, crime is down almost 6 percent in St. Louis City in the year, and violent crime is down 18 percent.
“While there have been some challenges in Forest Park with larcenies in vehicles," Dotson said, "Overall, crime is trending in the right direction for the city."
St. Louis Police continue to investigate the break-ins at Loufest.
Dotson’s advice to those headed to the Great Balloon Race:
- Leave valuables at home, or put them in your trunk.
- Don't bring a firearm to the event.
- Leave for the event early to avoid traffic, or use public transit.
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