Report shows crime decline in most categories | Webster Kirkwood Times

Des Peres Public Safety Director Eric Hall recently reported that crime in the city is at a five-year low, with thefts remaining the same, particularly in the West County Center.

“Up to this point in 2024, the department has not recorded any cases of aggravated assault. However, the city typically has few incidents,” Hall said during the Des Peres City Council meeting on Aug. 12, when he presented crime data for the first six months of this year.

With two registered burglaries, the number of burglaries was at its lowest level in the last five years.

“The department averages five to six burglary incidents through the middle of the year,” Hall said.

Hall said there were 177 cases of theft and four cases of auto thefts – the lowest number in the last five years. There were 10 cases of tampering with or theft of motor vehicles – the lowest number in the last four years.

Hall also reported on police dog Obe and the dog's assistance at the West County Center. So far this year, Obe has detected firearms on 12 people at the center and helped deescalate an arrest.

Obe also assisted in the search for a firearm in a residence, the search for a missing person who was having a mental health crisis, and the tracking of two individuals. He participated in public relations events at summer camps and neighborhood festivals.

Hall said Obe has been deployed out of town nine times – three times for the Major Case Squad and six times for other departments.

Hall stressed that his officers are on the road a lot and have a “very strong presence” in the community and in the West County Center.

“We are the only department that employs a full-time canine unit specifically trained to detect firearms in West County Center,” he said. “If you see one of our officers and K-9 Obe out and about, you are welcome to stop and say hello.”

Root 66

Despite concerns among some residents that crime would increase following the opening of Root 66, 12095 Manchester Road, the Des Peres Public Safety Department has received no reports of crimes committed at the marijuana dispensary.

“During discussions, we heard that Root 66 would be a burden on our public safety services,” said City Manager Scott Schaefer. “And that simply hasn't happened. In fact, the exact opposite is true. The pharmacy hasn't generated a single call since it opened, other than accidentally setting off a fire alarm.”

Des Peres is the only city in St. Louis County where voters will decide the fate of recreational cannabis in the Nov. 5 ballot.

“Since the mayor and the city council were clearly against the dispensary, they made promises to the voters and decided to put the matter to a vote and let the people decide,” Schaefer said.