Business owners across Kansas City, Missouri, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the city’s response to a growing crime epidemic, citing a lack of effective leadership and under-resourced law enforcement. The city, ranked eighth most dangerous in the nation in 2024, has seen a surge in both homicides and property crimes. With a homicide rate in 2025 already higher than in 2024 and an upward trend in property crime between 2019 and 2023, many local entrepreneurs feel compelled to take action when the city fails to protect their interests. Andrew Cameron, founder of Donutology, stated that the situation has created a feeling of ‘weakened leadership’ within the city, attributing this to bureaucratic constraints and an overburdened police force.
The business community faces significant financial impacts as a result of the rising crime rates. Cameron reported two break-ins at his stores, one involving the theft of his safe, which caused considerable financial loss. He pointed out that while the city offers compensation for property damage, it does not cover the contents of the store, which often leads to a substantial financial burden. Similarly, attorney Suzanne Hale-Robinson described a surge in vehicle break-ins, noting that the city’s law enforcement response has been lacking. Her law firm has had to hire private security due to the inability of the police to respond to incidents promptly.
Despite efforts by the city to address these issues, including a proposed $1 million boost for additional off-duty law enforcement presence, residents and business owners remain dissatisfied. Cameron’s comments reflect a broader frustration among local business leaders who feel that the city’s approach to crime is inadequate. The situation highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in a high-crime environment, as they struggle to protect their assets and maintain customer confidence. With continued reports of crime and a lack of effective action, the tension between the city and its business community is likely to persist unless significant changes in law enforcement and city policy are made.