Kansas City Business Owner Calls for Action After Break-In
In Kansas City, a local business owner is voicing his frustration following a break-in at his popular ice cream shop. Matt Shatto, the owner of Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, took to social media to express his concerns directly to Mayor Quinton Lucas. In his posting, Shatto emphasized that his staff’s safety and the security of their assets are integral to running a successful business in the area.
A Disturbing Incident
Earlier this week, another unfortunate incident occurred when a thief snuck into Betty Rae’s, making off with cash, ice cream, and peanuts. The ice cream shop shared surveillance footage of the break-in, showing just how brazen the theft was. Shatto remarked in his post, “Money can be replaced, but what I can’t replace is knowing that my team now worries about their safety every time they come to work.” He voiced a prevalent sentiment among many local business owners—an unease that is becoming all too familiar in their daily operations.
Mayor Responds
In response to Shatto’s social media outcry, Mayor Lucas extended his sympathies, stating how regrettable it is that businesses are being targeted. He pointed out that work is being done to create additional holding spaces for offenders, adding, “That’s probably years down the road, not tomorrow.” This suggests that while efforts are being put in place, immediate solutions for businesses dealing with crimes need to be addressed.
Lucas also mentioned that the city council is considering a measure to allocate grant funding for businesses affected by break-ins, helping them repair damages or enhance their security systems.
Concerns in the River Market
The River Market area, where Betty Rae’s is located, has been facing a spate of thefts this month. In fact, other neighboring businesses like Donutology and Enzo have also had similar unfortunate experiences just last week. Shatto is questioning why police presence isn’t more pronounced in their area, echoing a desire for enhanced patrols that could serve as a deterrent against such crimes.
The Community’s Reaction
Shatto’s call for action resonates with many in the Kansas City community. “It would be nice to have that formal presence for obvious reasons. Why that doesn’t occur, I’m not sure,” he explained. He urged Mayor Lucas to leverage his leadership skills to bring together efforts for a safer community.
Mayor Lucas reiterated throughout the evening that he understands the community’s real concerns about safety. He believes that increasing detention spaces is a facet of the larger solution to crime in the city, with the aim of achieving a new high of 419 spaces available for holding offenders.
Coping with Crime in the City
For Shatto, the ongoing threat affects the morale of his employees and the atmosphere of his ice cream shops. He concluded his response with a plea for collaboration among city leaders to find meaningful solutions: “I would hope that he would use those leadership skills to bring the team together in order to make the changes necessary to protect not just our businesses, but our community at large.”
As Kansas City continues to grapple with these issues, the hope is that dialogue between businesses and city leaders translates into tangible action that ensures the safety of everyone involved. For now, as business owners like Shatto carry on with their daily operations, one thing is clear: heightened awareness and community engagement will be vital in securing a safer environment for all.
