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Politics & Government

Break-In Shakes Up Shrewsbury Residents

Three residents addressed the Shrewsbury Board of Aldermen about an attempted burglary on Nottingham Avenue at the board's Tuesday meeting.

Several Shrewsbury residents have expressed concern about their families' safety in the wake of an several weeks ago.

The three residents, including the victim, came forward during the public comment section of Tuesday's Board of Aldermen meeting, and all said the break-in, which was conducted during the day, left them feeling shaken.

"I can't say that I feel safe. Anybody can break into your house at any time, is what you realize," said Patty Rooney, whose home was the target of the crime.

According to the individuals who addressed the council, four men in a truck pulled into Rooney's driveway May 22 at about 11:30 a.m. They exited the vehicle and busted in part of a door into her home, but were unable to gain entry before law enforcement was alerted to their activities.

"My neighbor's daughter who called the police just so happened to be home," she said. "(My teenage kids) are petrified. How scary is that that four gentlemen backed their car into your driveway and kicked the hell out of your door?"

Patricia Russo also lives on Nottingham and told the council she would like to see a larger police presence in the area. Another Nottingham resident, Barb Dressler said she thought a poorly maintained vacant lot on the street plus litter from a nearby MetroLink stop made the area attractive to criminals.

"I hope we can figure something out to spiff it up a bit," she said.

Shrewsbury Police Chief Jeff Keller responded to the concerns raised and gave some information about the department's investigation into the burglary.

According to Keller, the crime may be connected to a series of at least a dozen other burglaries in nearby areas performed by the same individuals.

Keller noted that officers have increased patrols in the area, even canceling days off and authorizing overtime pay. He also pointed out that it was the first burglary to occur in Shrewsbury this year.

"Unfortunately, crime happens all over the metropolitan area. Shrewsbury is not immune," he said.

City officials also urged all Shrewsbury residents to report any activity they think is suspicious, even if they think it might be nothing.

"You are the eyes and ears of the community, we can't be everywhere, all times of the day," Keller said.

Date for Walmart Informational Meeting Set

During her report to the board of aldermen, Mayor Felicity Buckley said an informational meeting designed to give the public more details about the proposed Kenrick Plaza Redevelopment will be June 28 at . The event will include a conceptual site plan for the project's main effort, the construction of a Walmart Supercenter.

The from G.J. Crewe Development Co. continued to generate public comment at Tuesday's meeting. Two residents expressed support for bringing the nation's largest retailer, citing the possible economic benefit. However, another citizen strongly criticized the board , alleging that they don't care about the development's potentially negative impacts because they don't live near Kenrick Plaza.

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