By Alex Fees

St. Louis (KSDK) - St. Louis Police say they will be decreasing their presence along Washington Avenue a bit, starting this weekend.

"We'll still have an increased presence down there compared to what we would normally have," said Lt. Col. Lawrence O'Toole. "But not like what you've seen the past 3 weekends."

The recent initiative and increase in police presence was designed to curb criminal activity along the downtown street.

O'Toole said a majority of bars and restaurants along the entertainment district have agreed to hire additional security.

"You don't necessarily need police officers to tell someone they can't bring in their bottle or sandwich. You don't need police to ask for someone's identification," he said.

O'Toole also said police are encouraging merchants and residents along Washington Avenue to come up with a business plan.

"It needs to have the involvement of the city excise commissioner, the director of streets, and the representative of the board of alderman," he said.

O'Toole said he's had conversations with officials from the community improvement district and they have agreed to pay for such a plan.

St. Louis police will continue to restrict vehicular traffic on Washington Avenue between 9th and 14th streets, on Friday and Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

KSDK