property crime

Copper wire thefts are on the rise in Missouri, and Kansas City is getting hit hard. It turns out the skyrocketing value of the metal is due in no small part to the Trump administration's 50% tariff on copper imports.

In the last six months of 2024, some 6,000 incidents of copper wire theft were reported in the U.S. Only Texas and California had more than Missouri.

Surveillance footage shows Philip March being pummeled and robbed of his car keys in 2022. Hazelwood is prosecuting him for property damage.

Melesa Johnson is six months into her role as Jackson County Prosecutor after winning election last year. Faced with concerns about burglaries and property crimes, Johnson has drastically increased the rate at which her office has pursued charges, and points to the success of a deterrence initiative.

Kansas City voters will decide on April 8 whether to renew the public safety sales tax for 20 more years. Officials plan to use the bulk of the money to build a new municipal detention center. Despite concerns about property crime and gun violence, some residents don’t want a new jail built.

After being sworn into office last month, new Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson has already changed the county's role in domestic violence cases.

Seven Chilean men face federal charges related to a string of burglaries at the homes of six high-profile athletes. Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were among the targets.

While Kansas City, Missouri, considers aid to small businesses plagued by thefts, break-ins and vandalism, the River Market will increase the presence of security officers during the "witching hours" between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Shaun Brady was killed in August 2024 while taking out the trash, just two years after opening the Brookside restaurant. The building's owner is looking to lease the space to another restaurant, saying that Brady & Fox could not be replicated.

The shopping season between Thanksgiving and Christmas can be a big boost to local businesses. In a year marred by a rash of property crimes against small shops, cafes, and restaurants, Kansas City business owners have extra cause to hope shoppers spend their money in town.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’ latest plan to fight crime involves asking for help from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. But so far, the city says KCPD isn't willing to pay for the additional officers.

This fall, Jackson County voters will elect the first Black woman to serve as Jackson County Prosecutor. Republican Tracey Chappell and Democrat Melesa Johnson are both running for the office — which is garnering a lot of attention due to the rise in property crimes.