With crime on the rise near UMKC, students are increasingly concerned about their safety and are taking steps to protect themselves.
Shaun Brady was shot and killed on Aug. 28 around 5 p.m. near 63rd Street and Rockhill Road while he was taking the trash out. Brady was a co-owner of the Brookside restaurant Brady’s KC and was adored by the residents of Brookside. .
“It’s a really scary thing,” said Natalie Adams, a junior communications major and Brookside resident. “I know a lot of [UMKC] students live in this neighborhood, and crime and violence has been a huge issue here lately.”
According to Freedom For All Americans, property crime in the Kansas City area is higher than the national average with the rate being 48.3% per 1,000 residents. Additionally, the violent crime rate in Kansas City is one of the highest in the United States with the rate being 14.83% per 1,000 residents.
“I have a friend who lives on Gillham Road,” said senior film major Tayler Gilbert. “Just last month, every car on her street was broken into. Some cars were robbed, but some were literally just trashed for fun.”
Adams and her neighbors said these petty crimes are a reoccurring and recently a very common issue. Vandalism and break-ins are being done with no end-goal: whoever is responsible is simply doing so for no reason at all, said Adams.
“My roommate had her windshield smashed in,” Adams said. “They didn’t even steal anything – and this isn’t the first time someone has damaged one of our cars for fun either.”
Here’s some advice from students around campus:
- Keep your head up: stay off your phone while walking, make sure you’re always aware of your surroundings.
- Lock your cars, take your belongings: This is a given, but keep your valuables out of your cars. Not just valuables, but any bags, purses, etc. Even if they’re empty, a potential break-in doesn’t know that.
- Buddy system: If you walk to campus, it’s always good to walk in groups..
- Self-defense: you never know when that pink pepper spray may come in handy – always good to keep one on your keychain.
- Trust your gut: if something feels off, trust that feeling.
The UMKC Police Department is open 24/7, 365 days of the year. Call 816-235-1515 in case of an emergency. For more information on staying safe, tips and how to report on-campus issues, see the Jeanne Clery Act Report.
