Security

Reporting an Incident, Emergency or Suspicious Activity

  1. Don't wait, CALL 911 (even if it doesn't seem like an emergency). 

  2. Then Contact A1-Security at 314-726-1717

  3. Next send an email to the agents: Agents@ParkviewNeighborhood.org

For NON-EMERGENCIES -- To contact security or the police:

  1. Saint Louis City Police at  314-231-1212 or University City Police at  314-725-2211

  2. A1-Security at 314-726-1717

  3. Don't forget to report the event to the Parkview Agents at Agents@ParkviewNeighborhood.org

A1-Security (also known as A1-Investigations) is Parkview's security provider. A1 is fully bonded and insured. A1 patrols Parkview in golf carts or on foot (through streets and alleys) until winter weather sets in, at which time they use a patrol car. They patrol the neighborhood on a variable schedule rather than 24 hours a day.

Residents Must Help Deter Crime

CALL IT OUT! Report ANY undesirable or suspicious activity to your local police by calling 911. We have it on good authority – directly from both U.City and St. Louis Police – that it is their job to investigate suspicious activity and determine if there is a problem. Don’t hesitate to call because you “Aren’t sure!”

TACK IT UP! Remember to place your street name along with your house number on your alley garage or back fence.

LIGHT IT UP!   One of the best deterrents to crime is good lighting. Have effective lighting on front and rear of homes, including alleys. Please leave your front and back porch lights on from dusk to dawn. Additional lighting in the rear of your home and garage or carriage house is also important. Keeping lights on at night deters house break-ins. Consider motion lighting for the evenings.  

LOCK IT UP!   Whether you are home or away keep your doors locked at all times. Also, if you are working outdoors in the front or back yard be sure to secure the area that you are not working in at the time. Lock your gates please lock your garage. If you just can’t resist leaving the windows open slightly on a beautiful spring night, it is recommended that you install sash locks which allow the windows to be left slightly open but limit access.

PUT IT UP! Do not leave yard equipment, bikes, etc. unattended. Lock them up when you are done with them. We cannot tell you how many leaf blowers, trimmers, lawn mowers, and bikes have been stolen off porches and from yards.     

Lock your vehicles, and DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING OF VALUE visible within.

Use alarms on cars and homes.

Leaving on vacation?  Notify your neighbors that you will be gone so that they can look out for unusual activity. 

Tips On What You Can Do To Help Prevent Crime And Victimization

Home Safety

  1. Telephone calls: do not give out personal information to strangers on the telephone.  Answering machines and caller identification can be used to screen unwanted or unknown callers.  If you receive suspicious, harassing, or threatening calls, notify the police immediately.

  2. Keep in touch with your neighbors and inform them of any suspicious activity.  Get to know your neighbors and their surroundings, so suspicious activity can be detected and reported.  It may be your house the next time.

Personal Safety

Personal safety measures are precautions we take to protect ourselves from crime.  There are two elements of personal safety we must include in a good safety program.  They are:

  1. Preventing and avoiding crime is our best protection.

  2. If you become a victim, know what to do.

Your personal safety can be increased and following these steps can prevent many crimes:

  1. Never think of any suspicious activity as not being serious.  If you observe a suspicious situation, it probably warrants attention.  Trust your instincts to detect suspicion and danger and make sure you report it as soon as possible.

  2. We must not take unnecessary risks with potentially dangerous situations.  Use discretion and good judgment about where you go and what you do.  Stay alert at all times.

  3. Work together with the police. Get to know the officers in your area and share information.

Protecting Yourself on the Street

  1. When in crowds, avoid flashy clothing or jewelry that can draw attention.

  2. Make attempts to walk with another person(s), and if alone, walk with assurance.  Be alert and become familiar with the people and surroundings in your area.

  3. Avoid dark, isolated areas such as alleys or parks.  If directions are needed, stop in a public place.  Avoid parking on dark parking lots with little activity.  Consider the normal routes as opposed to short cuts that usually involve isolation.

  4. When carrying valuables, only take what you need.  If you have a purse, a shoulder bag type that can be positioned around your body is recommended.  If you possess a regular purse, keep it close to your body.  It is further recommended that wallets be placed inside a pocket as opposed to a purse.  Fanny packs are also effective when out in public.  Do not set purses, wallets, and cellular phones down.  If carrying valuables in coat pockets, make sure you have the coat in your possession at all times.  Avoid paying for items with large bills, and if you have a substantial amount of money with you, keep it from normal view.

  5. If you suspect that someone is following you, turn to look at the person to get a good description.  You are also making the person aware that you have knowledge of their presence.  If on foot, change directions and cross the street.  If the person is following you in a car, walk in the opposite direction.  After these steps have been taken and the person is still following you, go to the nearest public place and call the police. Make note of:  race, sex, height, weight, age, clothing color and type, distinguishing characteristics or items such as mustaches, beards, glasses, tattoos, car color, license number, make, model, or anything you feel is pertinent.

Vehicle Safety

  1. Lock it up and keep valuables out of view when possible. 

  2. Do not leave anything of value in your vehicle.

  3. Install clubs on vehicles.  The Club deters car “break-ins".

  4. Utilize alarms on cars.

Safety Audits    

Both University City and St. Louis have programs that offer safety audits of your home. Call your local law enforcement agency at the non-emergency numbers listed above to find out more about these programs.

 

ParkviewNeighborhood.org is owned and operated by the Agents of Parkview, a not-for-profit neighborhood association, located in St. Louis, MO. It is intended solely for our residents, providing historic information as well as guidelines for the building codes and Indentures that govern our neighborhood. Those requiring assistance in using the site are urged to email agents@parkviewneighborhood.org.