‘We are concerned owners’; Many businesses hit by vandals want more action taken
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Some business owners would like to see more action taken to help stop all the recent break-ins. But are thankful for the first steps.
This comes as Mayor Quinton Lucas introduced the Back to Business fund.
If ed, it would allow up to $3,000 per business for incidents that happen between July 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025. Up to $5,000 per business for security measures, they paid for during that same period as well.
The most recent business hit was Donutology in the River Market.
Founder Andrew Cameron said that while he is beyond grateful that the city is listening and helping, he would like more preventative action.
“We are certainly thankful for the Back to Business fund, don’t get me wrong. However, that does little to solve the route problem,” Cameron said. “At the end of the day, we are concerned business owners, and we call upon the experts to figure it out.”
At a press conference, many city leaders spoke on this new fund, all saying this fund is not meant to fix the problem but to take some weight off these business owner’s shoulders.
“Obviously, we’ve got a problem that’s a multifaceted approach,” said Councilman Wes Rogers.
More Coverage: ‘It’s a step’: Kansas City leaders create fund for business owners after rampant break-ins
Rogers mentioned that while the fund won’t stop the crime, he said there are plans in place that will.
“We are building a low-barrier shelter, which will help a lot. The state is building a 300-bed mental health facility, which will help a lot. We will repurpose the 8th floor of KD headquarters to put in 144 short-term beds, which will help a lot. This grant is going to help a lot; we just gave the police officers a big raise; that’s going to help a lot,” Wes said.
Buddy Lahl, the CEO of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, told KCTV5 that this grant is a step in the right direction.
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“We are excited to see the mayor and the city council engaging with the restaurant industry and making our priorities part of their agenda,” Lahl said. “But until we can stop the vandalism and the crime that seem to be plaguing some of our businesses around the community, I think we need to continue to do more.”
Lahl said each community can participate in crime prevention and local businesses.
“A lot of these things can be prevented at the neighborhood level,” Lahl said. “Be vigilant, have neighborhood watches, and call the police when you see something that looks strange. Try to be part of the solution.”
In the meantime, business owners like Cameron are banding together.
“We remain hopeful for the future,” Cameron said. “But if we can have an increase in security presence and monitored surveillance, hopefully, we can make River Market and KCMO as a whole safer.”
ALSO READ: Kansas City police investigate another break-in at a Crossroads coffee shop
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