Business Owners Express Frustration Over Rising Crime in Kansas City Amid Leadership Concerns

Business Owners Express Frustration Over Rising Crime in Kansas City Amid Leadership Concerns

Kansas City, Missouri, is facing mounting frustration from local business owners who feel that the city’s response to downtown crime has been inadequate. One owner stated they were compelled to take matters into their own hands, reflecting a growing sense of urgency among the community.

Kansas City Ranks Among Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S.

According to U.S. News and World Report, Kansas City has been named the eighth most dangerous city in the United States for 2024, based on murder and property crime rates per 100,000 residents. The ranking dropped slightly for 2025, landing at twentieth overall.

So far this year, the Kansas City Police Department has reported 61 homicides, an increase from 52 during the same period last year. Between 2019 and 2023, property crimes in the city surged by 31 percent. However, the homicide rate is notably lower than the peak observed in 2023, when the city recorded its highest number of homicides, totaling 182.

Business Perspectives on the Crime Surge

Andrew Cameron, the founder of Donutology, shared his concerns with Fox News Digital, stating that crime appears to be at an all-time high in Kansas City from their perspective. He noted a perception of weakened leadership within city management, as officials often cite state control over the police and under-resourcing as barriers to effective action.

According to Cameron, his business has faced incidents of vandalism and robbery over the past year. He recounted two specific events: one where the cash safe was stolen and another where thieves attempted to break into a separate location but left empty-handed.

In video footage shared with Fox News Digital, two individuals were recorded breaking into a Donutology location and making off with the safe, highlighting the risks faced by small businesses in the city.

Challenges and Responses to Crime

While Cameron filed police reports for both incidents, he expressed frustration at the lack of follow-up from authorities. He mentioned that the city has made funds available for repairing property damage, yet these funds do not cover stolen items.

“They offer funds for vandalism, but what about the things taken? Many small businesses have high insurance deductibles, leaving us with significant losses to recover from,” Cameron elaborated. He underscored the profound impact of crime on their operations, equating financial losses to several sales of their doughnuts.

Legal Perspectives on Rising Crime Rates

Personal injury attorney Suzanne Hale-Robinson reported a dramatic rise in vehicle break-ins within her office building over the past several months. She recounted the distressing experience of having someone squat in an office overnight, leading to the theft of several laptops.

“Our building has a parking lot behind it, and while I’ve been lucky, many vehicles have been broken into. The police often don’t show up after such incidents, forcing us to hire private security,” Hale-Robinson explained.

Hale-Robinson shared that her law firm initially had to fund private security out of pocket, citing a lack of police response to break-ins, which she believes emboldens criminals.

Call for Broader Solutions

Despite the pressing need for law enforcement responses to crime, Hale-Robinson noted that the city must also address the root causes of crime, including homelessness. She stated that local government bears some responsibility for the situation, particularly its inability to provide support for vulnerable populations.

“Many criminals are often struggling individuals committing acts of desperation because our city fails to intervene effectively,” she asserted.

Government Initiatives to Combat Crime

In reaction to rising property crimes, Mayor Quinton Lucas has proposed a one million dollar initiative aimed at increasing the presence of off-duty law enforcement in high-crime areas. This move illustrates the city’s attempt to bolster security and address concerns raised by business owners.

Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Lucas for further comments on the situation but had not received a response at the time of reporting.

A Community on Edge

The prevailing narrative among Kansas City’s business owners is one of distress and uncertainty. Many feel abandoned by their government as they grapple with the consequences of rising crime. The calls for immediate action are impossible to ignore as business owners seek a safer environment to operate during challenging economic times.

As Kansas City works to regain a sense of safety and stability, the voices of local business owners will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping discussions around public safety and effective leadership in the years to come.