Business owners in Kansas City, Missouri, are growing increasingly frustrated with the city’s inadequate response to a rise in crime, prompting some to take matters into their own hands. Local businesses report that the city’s approach to combating violence and property theft has left them vulnerable, with many feeling that the police are understaffed and unresponsive to their needs. This situation has intensified as Kansas City has consistently ranked among the most dangerous cities in the U.S., with crime rates that continue to climb and pose a significant threat to the safety of its residents.
The city’s recent ranking as the eighth most dangerous in 2024 and the twentieth in 2025 underscores the severity of its crime problem. In 2025 alone, homicide rates have already surpassed those from the same period in 2024, with the city experiencing 61 homicides as of the current period. Property crimes have also shown a marked increase, with a 31% spike between 2019 and 2023, according to KCUR. The worst year on record for homicides was 2023, when the city witnessed an alarming total of 182 murders. These rising crime rates have forced local business owners to confront the reality that the city is not adequately addressing the threat to their businesses and the broader community.
Andrew Cameron, founder of Donutology, has been a vocal critic of the city’s approach. He expressed his concerns about the city’s weakened leadership and the perception that the police force is overburdened, with many citing the bureaucratic hurdles and lack of resources as contributing factors. Cameron noted that the city has failed to provide the necessary support for businesses that have been targeted by vandals and thieves, adding that the city’s offer for repairs does not cover the losses incurred. The financial strain on small businesses has been exacerbated by high deductibles on their insurance policies, making it difficult to recover from significant losses.
Personal injury attorney Suzanne Hale-Robinson has also reported a surge in vehicle break-ins, with her law firm facing challenges in securing the safety of her office space. She noted that the lack of police response has prompted her to invest in private security, a measure that many other local businesses have taken as a precaution. Hale-Robinson emphasized that while the city should take action against violent crime, it also needs to address the underlying issues, such as homelessness, which she believes often drive individuals to commit crimes out of desperation. This perspective underscores the complex dynamics at play, with the city needing to implement a multifaceted approach to improving safety and reducing crime.
Mayor Quinton Lucas, a Democrat, has proposed a $1 million initiative to enhance the presence of off-duty law enforcement in high-crime areas, aiming to combat property crime more effectively. Despite these efforts, many in the city continue to feel that the response is insufficient. The situation highlights the growing frustration among citizens and business owners, who are demanding more effective measures to address the rise in crime and ensure the safety of the community. The ongoing challenges faced by Kansas City underscore the need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses both the immediate safety concerns and the root causes of crime.