CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. – Groups of teens have left senior citizens frightened in one Cahokia Heights neighborhood.
Stolen packages as well as vandalized or stolen cars have left the seniors afraid to speak up on the issue, and have asked to keep identities hidden for safety purposes.
“Harassment is the only word I can think of. We’re being harassed,” one resident said.
One woman asked the teens to stay off her lawn, and in response, she was threatened with her windows being broken, carving land out for themselves, and more.
“It’s really bad out here. The kids are disturbing us, walking up and down the street all day,” another neighbor said. “They’re loud past midnight, 1 a.m., just up and down, stealing from my neighbors”
Cahokia Heights Mayor Curtis McCall says him and Police Chief Steven Brown are looking at strong measures to combat the issue, one idea being a curfew of 11 p.m. on weeknights, and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
“In that curfew law, we’re looking at fines for parents that are allowing these children, these juveniles, to stay out past curfew,” McCall said.
A police substation has also been a consideration. Brown says they’ve always tried to increase patrolling within the community, especially in the affected area.
Cahokia Heights was formed three years ago when three municipalities merged. One resident says things have gotten worse since the merger.
“As I talk to you today, do I think that the consolidation (and) the merger of these cities was a great idea? Yes. Do I tell you it is still a work in progress? Very much so,” McCall said.
The mayor said overall crime was down 15% in Cahokia Heights between 2022 and 2023.
