Kansas City ramps up safety efforts to stop sideshows, break-ins, crime

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Progress is underway as Kansas City takes steps to improve safety by cracking down on problem businesses while cleaning up neighborhoods.

The City Manager’s Office provided an update on how safety issues and crime across Kansas City is being addressed. It comes after a year of deadly violence and destructive crimes, including break-ins in Brookside and the River Market.

The city directed of the Kansas City Public Safety Task Force to take steps to address safety issues. Leaders say the effort started in June and it is already having an impact.

Sideshows

Kansas City Police have busted a number of illegal sideshows already this month. They cited dozens of people involved in the illegal events and arrested others. Police have also towed cars used in some of the sideshows.

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Problem Properties

The task force identified a number of businesses and properties where police regularly respond to calls. The city worked with owners to make changes and drop the number of police calls to addressed.

The city is also working with police and investigators to closed businesses who did not have licenses to operate. Other illegal businesses have been shut down through sweeps involving state and federal agencies.

The city is also enforcing noise ordinances at businesses that previously violated the municipal law.

Vacant Properties

Abandoned and vacant properties across the city have been problematic for years. The city is clearing and securing some of those properties.

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The people who used those locations to take shelter from the elements are now in more secure locations, according to the city.

Tow Companies

Tow Companies is another area where the city gets a lot of complaints.

The city is working to increase oversight of tow companies and parking facilities across Kansas City.

Inspectors have also issued dozens of tickets to vehicle owners, towed seven vehicles, and relocated 20 vehicles that were illegally blocking roads and parking lots.

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“The Kansas City Public Safety Task Force has shown just how much we can accomplish when we forces across city, state, and federal levels. Thanks to their decisive actions, Kansas City is a safer place for everyone,” Brian Platt, City Manager, said.

The Kansas City Police Commission is expected to discuss some of the public safety issues facing the city during Tuesday’s meeting.

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