Posted on Dec 11, 2023
This holiday season, Jackson County is cracking down on Country Club Plaza shoplifters
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Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker is partnering with Country Club Plaza retailers in hopes of curbing shoplifting and cutting down on shoppers bringing weapons into stores.
Baker says she will create a more “expedient and direct path” to her office, slightly changing the model of police leading investigations. Plaza security officers will send video surveillance of possible thefts to the prosecutor’s office, and if it has sufficient evidence, it will forward the case to the Kansas City Police Department for further investigation.
Baker says she received Police Chief Stacey Graves' consent for the effort, which Baker described as a way to save police staff time while focusing on charging more cases. She doesn’t charge juvenile cases, she says, but is cooperating with the family and municipal courts on cases that may appear there.
“We just want to provide a service that says, ‘Hey, if you think the Plaza is an easy target, you might think again,’” Baker says.
Baker says she will create a more “expedient and direct path” to her office, slightly changing the model of police leading investigations. Plaza security officers will send video surveillance of possible thefts to the prosecutor’s office, and if it has sufficient evidence, it will forward the case to the Kansas City Police Department for further investigation.
Baker says she received Police Chief Stacey Graves' consent for the effort, which Baker described as a way to save police staff time while focusing on charging more cases. She doesn’t charge juvenile cases, she says, but is cooperating with the family and municipal courts on cases that may appear there.
“We just want to provide a service that says, ‘Hey, if you think the Plaza is an easy target, you might think again,’” Baker says.
This holiday season, Jackson County is cracking down on Country Club Plaza shoplifters
Posted from kcur.org
Kansas City
Crime
Firearms and Guns
Police
Law Enforcement
Posted 6 mo ago
Responses: 2
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel good day Brother William, always informational and of the most interesting. Thanks for sharing, have a blessed day!
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."The attention led last year to a national partnership between the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the National District Attorneys Association to address retail crime and habitual theft. Baker says that gave her the idea for the local effort.
While the problem isn’t a crisis here, there was an incident on the Plaza that Baker says concerned her. On the evening of August 25, an armed man tried to steal from JD Sports, a sneaker and athleticwear store. A manager allegedly tried to stop him and was shot in the arm, according to reports. JD Sports has a sign near its front door barring firearms, Baker says.
“We’re not seeing the intensity other cities are seeing,” Baker says. “That doesn’t mean that I don’t want to engage and shove my shoulder into this.”
So far, Baker says her office is working on five cases from separate incidents. And, she says, other retailers have approached her office hoping to partner with prosecutors.
Emily Bordner, owner of EB & Co., an accessories shop on the Plaza, says she sees Baker’s effort as a positive move. Shoplifting was on the rise last holiday season, Bordner said, but hasn’t been as bad this year.
“I think any extra support and eyes are appreciated, for sure,” Bordner says. “We’re excited to see the Plaza bustling again soon.”
..."The attention led last year to a national partnership between the Retail Industry Leaders Association and the National District Attorneys Association to address retail crime and habitual theft. Baker says that gave her the idea for the local effort.
While the problem isn’t a crisis here, there was an incident on the Plaza that Baker says concerned her. On the evening of August 25, an armed man tried to steal from JD Sports, a sneaker and athleticwear store. A manager allegedly tried to stop him and was shot in the arm, according to reports. JD Sports has a sign near its front door barring firearms, Baker says.
“We’re not seeing the intensity other cities are seeing,” Baker says. “That doesn’t mean that I don’t want to engage and shove my shoulder into this.”
So far, Baker says her office is working on five cases from separate incidents. And, she says, other retailers have approached her office hoping to partner with prosecutors.
Emily Bordner, owner of EB & Co., an accessories shop on the Plaza, says she sees Baker’s effort as a positive move. Shoplifting was on the rise last holiday season, Bordner said, but hasn’t been as bad this year.
“I think any extra support and eyes are appreciated, for sure,” Bordner says. “We’re excited to see the Plaza bustling again soon.”
(7)
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