Business owners in Kansas City’s Brookside neighborhood are taking a stand against a recent surge in criminal activity. The community has been plagued by a series of robberies, prompting local entrepreneurs to form a coalition aimed at addressing the rising crime rates.
The catalyst for this action was a robbery at Jalapeños restaurant on Sunday evening. Two armed men targeted two servers outside the establishment, making off with a mere $50 in cash. This incident has left the restaurant’s staff and management shaken and determined to implement changes.
Justin Hernandez, the owner of Jalapeños, inherited the business from his father and intends to keep it within the family. He expressed his gratitude for the community’s support during these challenging times, stating, “I can’t do it on my own. Having the support of the neighborhood is really tremendous. It does feel good when we come together.”
The recent crime spike has forced Hernandez to consider various options to protect his business and employees. While he hasn’t yet committed to hiring private security, he acknowledges that it’s a possibility that must be considered given the current circumstances.
In response to the growing concern, local business leaders are joining forces to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat the increase in criminal activity. They are collaborating with community improvement district leaders to address the issue head-on.
One business owner involved in the coalition emphasized the importance of perspective, noting, “We know that in the scheme of things, what’s happening to us is on the small end of what’s happening in Kansas City. We know from talking to other community partners, the troubles we have are tenfold in other parts of the city. And that’s not lost on us.”
The Kansas City Police Department believes the individuals responsible for the Jalapeños robbery are connected to other similar incidents in the area. In a positive development, law enforcement officials have apprehended four suspects, including two juveniles, following a robbery spree in the Brookside area on Wednesday night. The arrests were made possible thanks to the assistance of a police helicopter, which tracked the suspects’ movements.
The apprehended individuals are currently in custody and awaiting formal charges from prosecutors. This breakthrough has provided some relief to the community, but business owners remain vigilant and committed to finding long-term solutions to enhance safety in the neighborhood.
The coalition being formed by Brookside business owners is not working in isolation. They are coordinating their efforts with neighboring communities, including Waldo, to create a unified approach to crime prevention and community safety.
As the Brookside community grapples with this surge in criminal activity, the response from local business owners demonstrates a strong sense of unity and determination. By coming together and exploring various strategies, they hope to not only protect their own interests but also contribute to the overall safety and well-being of the entire neighborhood.
The situation in Brookside serves as a microcosm of broader challenges facing Kansas City and urban areas across the country. As communities confront rising crime rates, the importance of collaboration between businesses, residents, and law enforcement becomes increasingly evident. The actions taken by Brookside’s business owners may serve as a model for other neighborhoods facing similar challenges,
highlighting the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing complex social issues.