The Neighborhood Watch Program is a partnership between the St. John Police Department and community members focused on crime prevention and neighborhood safety. This program empowers residents to take an active role in protecting their neighborhoods by staying informed, observant, and engaged. Key goals of the Neighborhood Watch Program include:

• Encouraging communication between residents and police?
• Promoting awareness of suspicious activity and crime trends
• Strengthening neighborhood relationships
• NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
• EMERGENCY CALL 911 NON-EMERGENCY (636) 529-8210
• WE REPORT ALL SUSPICIOUS PERSONS & ACTIVITY TO THE ST. JOHN POLICE DEPARTMENT
• Reducing opportunities for crime through education and prevention

Residents interested in starting or joining a Neighborhood Watch group are encouraged to contact the St. John Police Department for guidance, resources, and support.

Video surveillance is one of the best methods for apprehending criminals and convicting suspects who are caught in the act of committing a crime. Installing video surveillance is a great example of community-police partnerships and is something the St. John Police Department values highly.

How Does it Work?

The Resident Camera Program allows residents and business owners to register locations and capabilities of their security camera systems with the St. John Police Department. Using this information, when a crime occurs, the St. John Police Department will know the locations of nearby video cameras and be able to collect video evidence and follow up on leads.

What are the Benefits of Registering your Camera?

Because they are caught in the act of committing the crime, video surveillance is one of the best methods to catch suspects and convict them. As crimes occur nearby, many residents and business owners are unaware that their camera systems may have captured information that could help solve a crime. Likewise, police are not always aware of who may have potentially vital video evidence.

By registering your camera with the St. John Police Department, officers can quickly identify nearby cameras that may have captured criminal activity. After registering your camera, you will only be contacted by the St. John Police Department if there is a criminal incident in the vicinity of your security camera and police personnel believe viewing your video footage will assist in the investigation.

Registration

If you would like to register your security camera system with the St. John Police Department and allow officers to contact you should a crime occur in or near where your cameras are installed, please complete the registration process located HERE.

Vacation Check

The St. John Police Department offers vacation check services to its residents and the residents of the communities we contract services for. Complete and submit the form and officers will periodically conduct vacation checks on your residence as time permits. The City of St. John cannot guarantee that this will keep your home from being damaged or broken into, however, it does give added security to the homeowner and neighbors.

Request a Vacation Check

If you would like to request a vacation check at your residence or business, please complete and submit the registration form located HERE.

If you prefer to request a vacation check over the phone or in person, please call (314) 427-8700 or stop in at 8944 St. Charles Rock Rd. during business hours.

Burglary Prevention Tips

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of residential burglary. The Police Department encourages residents to remain alert, secure their property, and work together to keep our community safe.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

• Stay alert to unusual activity in your neighborhood
• Report suspicious persons, vehicles, or behavior immediately
• Know your neighbors I look out for one another
• Vary routines when possible to avoid predictable patterns
• Trust your instincts—if something seems out of place, call police

Secure Your Residence

• Lock all doors and windows, even when home
• Use quality deadbolts and reinforced door frames
• Secure sliding doors with additional locking devices or bars
• Keep garage doors closed and locked at all times
• Install motion-activated exterior lighting
• Trim shrubs and trees to eliminate hiding
• places near doors and windows
• Use timers or smart lighting to give the appearance someone is home
• Activate alarm systems when leaving, even for short periods

Protect Your Vehicles

• Lock vehicles at all times, whether parked home or elsewhere
• Remove keys, key fobs, and garage door openers from vehicles
• Do not leave valuables in plain view
• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible
• Close and lock garage doors to prevent access to vehicles

Safeguard Property and Valuables

• Record serial numbers of valuable items
• Mark property with identifiable engravings when possible
• Store ladders, tools, and outdoor equipment in locked areas
• Secure sheds and detached structures with quality locks Avoid advertising expensive purchases or travel plans publicly

When Away From Home

• Stop mail and package deliveries or have a trusted person collect them snow removal to maintain an “occupied” appearance
• Arrange for lawn care
• Do not post vacation plans in real time on social media Ensure doors, windows, and alarms are secured before leaving

Community Crime Prevention

• Participate in a Neighborhood Watch program
• Share suspicious activity information with neighbors Attend community safety meetings when available Report crimes and suspicious behavior promptly
• If you see suspicious activity or believe a crime is in progress, call 911 immediately.
• For non-emergency concerns or to report suspicious behavior, contact your local police department.