Businesses react to Jackson County Prosecutor’s new plan to tackle property crime

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The sound of shattered glass is an all too familiar sound heard across Kansas City and businesses and restaurants are left to pick up the pieces.

Now, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s office has a new team that will solely focus on property crimes

It’s called the Crime Strategies Unit and consists of three attorneys.

They will work directly with business owners and police to identify and prosecute repeat offenders.

“I do see we actually have our heads up now and thinking crime? oh, it’s probably something we should address,” said Matt Shatto, the Owner of Betty Raes.

Shatto knows the pain of property crime all too well, and wasn’t familiar with the prosecutor’s office’s new crime unit, but said he’s on board.

“I think the degree to which we can get consistency with any level of bureaucracy, whether it’s the police department, whether it’s the prosecutor’s office, I think it’s a positive.”

Shatto did share some of his concerns with the new crime unit.

“At the end of the day though, I can’t imagine three people is going to be enough people to deal with the crime we see during the summer,” he stated.

“I think having something like this feels less reactionary,” said Jackie Gonzalez, City Barrel Pizza + Patio.

Gonzalez said she welcomes these new steps the city is taking to keep businesses safe.

“I feel secure in knowing there is data being collected by a group that is delegated to handle these situations. That makes me feel better,” she said.

The office is also taking a proactive approach, by providing tres notice forms to businesses.

• Print 2 copies
• Fill out both copies
• Stand in front of an inside security camera at your business and hand the form to the person tresing
• Clip the portion of the video that shows you handing the form to the person
• Retain the video and your copy of the form for your records

“To give this I feel empowered,” Gonzalez said about the forms.

Gonzalez said it gives her a sense of security and feels comfortable handing it out if needed.

“Knowing that the city is doing something to try to pull together and provide something to create a timeline, to create a database where we can send information, is definitely a step in the right direction,” said Gonzalez.

Shatto, on the other hand, said although it’s a good idea, he doesn’t feel as confident.

“I like anything that is proactive, right? but at the same time in that specific example, I do have a little bit of concern putting my 16 to 20 years old in a place in which there going to address somebody that potentially has the opportunity to commit some crime in the future,” he explained.

While there is still some uncertainty with the new approach, there is optimism.

“I’m hopeful that having a delegated group of attorneys or prosecutors to handle the situation, can finally do something about it,” said Gonzalez.

The crime strategies new unit will begin work on March 10.

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