That's Some Fine Police Work There, Lou

ST. LOUIS • With police on high alert from a spike of car break-ins — and Mayor Francis Slay demanding gates and guards at public parking lots — authorities fumbled an unusual opportunity last weekend to catch a thief red-handed.

A cellphone swiped from a car near Union Station late June 24 contained a tracking device that lets its owners follow every movement. But they said they were unable to get St. Louis police interested for hours, until after the phone's battery died and the chance was lost.

This is more than just a phone, however.  There was approximately $4,000 in property stolen as well.  Thanks to an app on their iPad, the victims were able to watch their property move from house to house in real time. Police are now watching the neighborhood because yet another phone was tracked there.  But here is the kicker, the couple was advised to go track the phone themselves, and then call the cops when they got there.  They exposed a family to known criminals on flaky advice, and the police didn't show up for ten hours.  It's a miracle they weren't spotted and harmed.

Upon realizing they had found a direct link to the probable thief, the couple called the beat officer who responded earlier. He transferred them to the 6th District, where they spoke to someone on the desk whom police officials have not been able to identify. The couple said that person told them officers were too busy and that they should drive to the location themselves the next day — because calling from there would ensure a response.

They followed the instructions, driving out after their son's Saturday morning baseball game. By the time officers arrived, 10 hours had passed since their call.

The mayor decided to blame the security at the parking lots, claiming they had failed to put up proper lighting and fencing, and insufficient guard coverage.