In recent months, Kansas City has witnessed a troubling increase in break-ins targeting small businesses on both sides of the state line. This past weekend alone, four establishments—Seven Swans Crêperie and La Bodega Spanish Tapas Restaurant in Missouri, and Sagebrush Rosedale and Garden House Café in Kansas—fell victim to such incidents.
This pattern mirrors a series of break-ins that plagued the area throughout the summer and into the fall, leaving business owners frustrated and calling for more effective measures to combat the escalating property crimes.
A Recurring Nightmare for Business Owners
For many proprietors, these break-ins have become a distressing routine. Joe Giammanco, owner of City Barrel Brewing Company, expressed his exasperation, noting that the incidents seem to occur in clusters: “It seems to be in patterns of three every time this stuff is happening, and it is upsetting.” Each break-in forces businesses to invest in security upgrades and repairs, straining their resources and resilience.
Matt Shatto, owner of Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, has experienced multiple break-ins, leading him to implement several preventive measures. “We don’t keep cash here—that is a good start, right? We’ve fortified our doors and other points of entry to make it much more difficult for folks to come in, [and installed] security systems,” Shatto explained. He also acknowledged the positive impact of increased private security by local building owners in deterring potential criminals.
City Initiatives and Business Owners’ Call for Action
In response to the surge in property crimes, Kansas City officials and the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) have introduced several initiatives aimed at supporting affected businesses and enhancing security. The “Back to Business Fund,” for instance, offers financial assistance to small businesses for repairs and security improvements. Additionally, extra patrols and surveillance have been deployed in high-risk areas.
Despite these efforts, many business owners feel that more decisive action is necessary. Shatto emphasized the need for strong leadership: “The Governor, the Mayor, or the City Council people—I want them all to be involved in public safety, and I want them to be a very, very strong voice in the idea that we aren’t going to tolerate this anymore.”
Recent Government Actions
At a recent Board of Police Commissioners meeting, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas acknowledged the issue’s severity and outlined steps being taken to address it. “Adding a squad to investigate property crimes, making sure they are working with security firms throughout Kansas City to get that information, to get video, to make sure that we are making these arrests,” Mayor Lucas stated. He reiterated that such break-ins are unacceptable and pledged a comprehensive response involving both prevention and enforcement strategies.
On the state level, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, who was sworn in on January 13, 2025, signed six executive orders aimed at reducing crime. These orders include creating a new regional operation to arrest known criminals, providing state grants to local law enforcement, and establishing a task force focused on reducing criminal relapse. Mayor Lucas expressed hope that the Governor’s initiatives would align with the specific needs of Kansas City businesses, emphasizing the importance of addressing local concerns over broader issues.
The Path Forward
While the introduction of new initiatives and leadership changes offer a glimmer of hope, business owners are eager to see tangible results. Giammanco remarked, “Today’s meeting was an example just that progress is happening, but it is happening at a pace that we need faster.” He called for the swift implementation of proposed measures to support those directly involved in combating these crimes.
Shatto echoed this sentiment, urging leaders to take decisive action: “Now is the great time to do it—we are setting a tone for 2025, we have a new prosecutor in place, we have a new governor in place; let’s have our leaders be leaders and lead with their voice and their action.”
Recent Break-Ins in Kansas City (January 2025)
| Business Name | Location | Date of Incident | Measures Taken Post-Incident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seven Swans Crêperie | Missouri | January 10, 2025 | Upgraded security systems, reinforced entry points |
| La Bodega Spanish Tapas | Missouri | January 10, 2025 | Installed surveillance cameras, increased lighting |
| Sagebrush Rosedale | Kansas | January 11, 2025 | Hired private security, implemented alarm systems |
| Garden House Café | Kansas | January 11, 2025 | Fortified doors and windows, removed cash storage |
The recent spate of break-ins has underscored the vulnerabilities faced by Kansas City’s small businesses. While city and state leaders have initiated programs to address these challenges, the affected business community is calling for more immediate and effective action. Collaboration between government officials, law enforcement, and business owners will be crucial in developing and implementing strategies that ensure the safety and prosperity of Kansas City’s vibrant local economy.