Police Tackle Car Break-ins in Kansas City’s Westport Area

Kansas City residents in the Westport area are staying vigilant after several car break-ins. Allison Mitchell, a worker in the area, shared her feelings, "Working late around here can be scary. We see shattered car windows all the time. " Mark Romero's daughter witnessed multiple broken-into cars near 42nd Street and Mill Street. KCPD's Alayna Gonzales explained that response times can vary due to call triage. "We prioritize calls, but that doesn't make your report any less important, " she said. KCPD is using multiple strategies to prevent property crimes, including targeted enforcement and community engagement. Gonzales mentioned that the department has reimplemented foot patrols. "Officers on foot build better relationships with the community and notice trends more easily, " she noted. Some residents believe increased police visibility deters crime. KCPD is downsizing property crime rates this year compared to last, showing their efforts are paying off. "We are trending down in 2024 compared to 2023, but we're not letting up, " Gonzales assured.