Lenox Residents Fight Back Against Crime

On a warm summer night earlier this month, roughly 30 St. Louis Park residents gathered on the lawn of Jodi Johnston's Idaho Avenue home.

While lawn chairs were out, and popcorn and drinks were served, this wasn’t a typical summer get-together. Instead, residents of the city’s Lenox Neighborhood were there to voice concerns about a rash of crime on their streets.

“This isn’t the St. Louis Park I know,” Johnston said. “Everyone used to have their windows open. People felt safe.”

The 16-year St. Louis Park resident was spurred into action after a burglary a few doors down from her in early June. Police say someone broke through a large front window, causing a shard of glass to strike and kill the family dog.

With neighbors reporting burglaries of their own, as well as thefts from backyards and car break-ins, Johnston said enough was enough. She sent letters out to Lenox residents, asking them to meet and discuss the issue. Lenox Neighborhood Association President Matt Flory helped by sending emails to his neighborhood list.

The result was the evening meeting on Johnston’s lawn. St. Louis Park police officer Greg Lease attended and gave crime prevention tips, such as leaving safety lights on at night, and taking care of a neighbor’s lawn and mail when he or she is away for an extended period of time.

Lease told residents to not be shy about calling 911, either—if they see something suspicious, he said, they should call. He also praised the neighborhood for getting together, and he encouraged them to keep doing what they're doing.

“I don’t think this goes unnoticed,” the officer said.

Lenox residents will be up against a tough task, however. This year, there have been a combined 118 reports of burglary, theft, suspicious activity and theft from a vehicle in Lenox. That is the highest number among St. Louis Park neighborhoods—the next closest is 82 in Texa-Tonka. Add to that the fact that these types of crimes generally —June alone accounted for 22 of the 118 reports in Lenox.

Johnston said she’s undeterred and is determined to unite residents in an effort to combat the crime. Can she make a real impact?

“I’d like to think I can,” Johnston said. “We’re watching out for each other.”