Business breaks-ins continue, owners leaning on city efforts
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - As break-ins continue to occur across the metro, business owners are relying on the city’s Back to Business fund more than ever.
Veronica and Roberto Garcia own Wrap It Up Tex Mex Grill, which sits along Ninth and Baltimore in Downtown Kansas City. Assisted by the help of their only daughter, Veronica.
They’ve persevered for nearly 15 years even after 6 break-ins.
“It’s not about if it’s going to happen again, it’s about when it’s going to happen again,” Veronica said.
The fund is a program to help small businesses recover after recent break-ins and vandalism. In November 2024, KCTV5 reported that the City of Kansas City said they were processing 109 applications for the first round of disbursements.
The Garcias said they applied and are still waiting for their money.
City staff said they still have $82,895 left in the fund.
When it launched last year, it had roughly $325,000 left in the fund. The city also shared that we’ve approved $217,104, with $205,660 having been paid out.
It’s an effort that overall businesses are thankful for, including the Garcias, who said they at least don’t have to worry about taking the money out of their own to fix their broken door.
Police Chief Stacey Graves told the Kansas City police commission they’ve increased patrols and implemented mandatory overtime in high-traffic areas.
The Jackson County prosecutor’s office also said it’s been working with business owners to address their concerns.
It’s something that’s going to take time. Owners like Garcia said they hope it works because this isn’t a crime spree she’ll forget anytime soon. “Even though you are running the business and doing good, you, it’s on your mind. All day long. It’s like oh my gosh, oh my gosh,” she said. “Like I said, every single day we wake up it’s, I hope everything is fine.”
There are two separate grants businesses can apply to:
- Vandalism Recovery Grant Funding Eligibility: Up to $3,000 per business. Funds can only be used as reimbursement for a vandalism incident that occurred from July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025.
- Vandalism Prevention Grant Funding Eligibility: Up to $5,000 per business. Funds can only be used as a reimbursement for eligible security measures acquired between July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025.
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