The City of St. Louis’ Prosecuting Attorney, Kimberly Gardner, and her staff seem somehow unable or unwilling to prosecute thieves, and the same seems to be true in St. Louis County. In the County, in July-August, there were 46 charges brought for auto theft although 704 stolen vehicles were reported. In the City, between August 1-13,  around 462 cases of theft or attempted theft of vehicles were reported and only one person was charged. I do not know if these figures include unlawful entry of unlocked vehicles and break-ins of locked cars. 

I do know that in the “safe” suburb in which I live, the number of thefts of automobiles and thefts from automobiles has increased dramatically, as have the thefts of catalytic converters. These thefts are often executed by teams of thieves, cruising in probably stolen cars, seeking opportunities to enter or break into parked vehicles with a view to stealing their contents or the vehicles themselves.

What accounts for the surge in thefts we have lately seen? 

This is partly due to the mobilization of thieves. No longer confined to areas close to home, they range far and wide in automobiles hunting for easy pickings, the autos providing also a quick getaway if needed. Perhaps there has been an increased disrespect for private property among people otherwise unable to obtain private property. But I think this surge is mainly due to the fact that thieves believe it is unlikely that they will be caught and, if caught, unlikely that they will face any consequences.