ST. LOUIS (KMOX) — There's a new addition to south St. Louis' Shaw neighborhood. As part of their effort to reverse a recent uptick in robberies and other crimes, St. Louis police have parked a real-time crime camera at 39th and Shaw.
The department is also dispatching a robbery detail to patrol the area.
A few of the muggings over the last couple of months have happened outside retailer Future Ancestor at the intersection of Shenandoah and Thurman. Owner Julia Leenig hasn't witnessed the crimes but says it's still scary.
She thinks the addition of police cameras will help keep the neighborhood safer.
"More people who are watching helps. We'd love to see more police presence, law enforcement in the area," Leenig said.
Brojana lives in an apartment down the street, she too likes the idea of more eyes keeping an eye on things.
"I don't know how they're going to stop shooters or crime, but it's good to be aware there's something (watching the neighborhood)," Brojana said.
Leenig said despite a 50% increase in crime over last year, she still loves the area and has no plans to leave.
"It's a risk you take, I think, living in the city," Leenig said. "You just have to be on guard, be ready and watch out for your neighbors."
But a new resident to the area, Sarah, says having someone robbed at gunpoint outside her home once is enough. "I am moving," she told KMOX.
One long-time business owner says she has seen the worst of times and the best of times in the Shaw Neighborhood. She says these are still the best of times.