A bizarre crime has left residents in the Holly Hills neighborhood of South St. Louis both surprised and frustrated. Local police are investigating an incident where two men reportedly stole the gutters off a home listed for sale. The incident, which occurred on Otis Street, highlights a concerning trend where thieves appear to be targeting properties with “For Sale” signs, possibly assuming these homes are unoccupied.
The Crime
On a late Sunday evening, two unidentified men drove up to a home on Otis Street in the Holly Hills area and ripped off its gutters. Eyewitnesses and ring doorbell footage from nearby homes captured the crime in progress. The footage showed a car with no license plates and a missing headlight, making it easier for the criminals to evade identification. Despite a nearby neighbor yelling at the suspects, the men managed to escape with the stolen gutters, driving off immediately after the act.
The stolen gutters have since been replaced, but the incident has left the neighborhood on edge. Local residents, including Holly Laws, a listing agent who lives next door to the targeted home, expressed concerns about the growing trend of thefts in the area. Laws noted that properties with “For Sale” signs seem to be frequent targets for thieves. These criminals may assume that homes listed for sale are unoccupied, making them easy targets for theft and vandalism.
Realtor’s Perspective
Laws, who has been working in the real estate industry, was quick to criticize the brazenness of the crime. She emphasized how it sets a “new low” for criminals in the area. Laws said it’s shocking to imagine someone pulling up to a home, stealing essential parts of it like gutters, and then fleeing the scene.
“Imagine someone driving up to your home, ripping off your gutters, and driving off,” Laws commented. She further added that such actions are particularly concerning for properties on the market because thieves often assume the homes are empty or under less scrutiny.
Targeting Homes Listed for Sale
Holly Hills residents have raised concerns about properties with “For Sale” signs being prime targets for theft. Laws observed that in certain neighborhoods, sellers hesitate to place signs in their yards for fear of drawing unwanted attention from criminals. As a precaution, she advises homeowners who are selling their properties to invest in security measures such as doorbell cameras and proper lighting. This could help deter potential criminals and make it easier to identify thieves if an incident occurs.
She further commented that sellers should engage with their neighbors, asking them to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Neighborhood cooperation can often be the first line of defense against such crimes.
Not What the Thieves Expected
In a somewhat ironic twist, the stolen gutters were not what the thieves may have hoped for. According to Laws, the criminals likely believed the gutters were made of copper, a valuable material often targeted by thieves. However, the gutters were actually made of galvanized steel, a far less valuable material. The neighborhood joked about the thieves’ failed attempt at profiting from their crime.
“They probably thought it was copper, but it was galvanized steel,” Laws commented. Despite the humor found in the situation, the act of stealing the gutters has left the neighborhood feeling violated and concerned about future incidents.
Investigation Underway
The local police department confirmed that they are investigating the incident. With video evidence from the ring doorbells of nearby homes, authorities are working to track down the suspects. However, the lack of license plates on the vehicle used in the theft could make identifying the criminals more challenging.
Despite the setback caused by the theft, the sale of the home proceeded without further issues. The buyers officially closed on the property the morning after the incident, and the gutters had already been replaced by that time. This swift resolution provided some relief to the new homeowners and the surrounding neighborhood.
Community Response
Residents in the Holly Hills neighborhood are now more aware of the risks posed to homes listed for sale. Following the theft, many are considering enhancing their security measures. The incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor property crimes can leave a lasting impact on the community.
In conclusion, while the stolen gutters may not have yielded much profit for the thieves, the crime has heightened concerns about property safety in South St. Louis. Local authorities are continuing their investigation, and homeowners are being encouraged to stay vigilant and take preventive measures to protect their properties from similar incidents.
