‘It was a nuisance’: Increase in crime causes Waldo restaurant owner to close doors
Increase in crime causes Waldo restaurant owner to close doors KMBC Kansas City
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An Increase in Crime Forces Closure of Small Business in Waldo
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An increase in crime has led to the closure of a small business in Waldo. Todd Johnson, the owner of Strip’s Chicken, made the decision to shut down the Waldo location earlier this week. Since its opening in 2021, the restaurant has faced numerous challenges.
Crime Issues and Security Measures
During its two-year operation, Strip’s Chicken experienced eight break-ins. Situated at the corner of Wornall and 85th, the restaurant was plagued by crime-related problems. Each break-in involved a different perpetrator, causing significant inconvenience for Johnson.
“It was a nuisance, completely a nuisance,” Johnson expressed his frustration. “It’s just frustrating to get an alarm call at 3:30 in the morning and have to come over and board your building up.”
In an attempt to deter future break-ins, Johnson implemented increased security measures and stopped accepting cash payments. Unfortunately, these efforts did not resolve the ongoing issues.
Homelessness and Other Challenges
The presence of homeless individuals near the restaurant, coupled with its proximity to a bus station, contributed to additional problems. Johnson explained, “We still had a lot of homeless people in, and we’ve got a bus station next door. People come in and steal sodas and things like that. In the last few weeks, it just seemed like we were having a lot more drama with people in our dining room.”
After facing consecutive issues involving the police, Johnson ultimately made the difficult decision to close the business. He stated, “So, I just decided to close it. I’m like, yeah, we shouldn’t have to put up with that. So, we closed immediately and that was it.”
Insurance Rates and Future Plans
In addition to the crime-related challenges, Johnson highlighted the significant increase in insurance rates over the past two years. As a result, he is now focusing on his two other Strip’s Chicken locations, with a third one set to open soon in Johnson County. These restaurants have a much better track record in terms of security and crime prevention.
“Crime is everywhere. Homelessness is everywhere. But you know, the difference between eight break-ins in two years versus zero break-ins in eight years is dramatic,” Johnson emphasized.
Employee Transfers
Regarding the employees of the Waldo location, Johnson mentioned that most of them were able to transfer to their Johnson County restaurants, ensuring their continued employment.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers | – Number of break-ins at the business – Increase in security measures taken – Insurance rates doubling in a matter of two years |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities | – Presence of homeless people in the restaurant – Increase in drama with people in the dining room |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article discusses the decision of a small business owner to close their doors due to an increase in crime. This is connected to SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article mentions issues with crime and homelessness in the restaurant’s location. This is connected to SDG 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers
The article highlights the increase in break-ins at the business, which affects the safety and security of the workers. The business owner also mentions the doubling of insurance rates, which may be related to the increased risk of crime.
Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities
The article mentions the presence of homeless people in the restaurant and an increase in drama with people in the dining room. This indicates a lack of safe and inclusive spaces within the community.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
For Target 8.8:
– Number of break-ins at the business: This indicator can measure the effectiveness of security measures taken to protect the workers and the business.
– Increase in security measures taken: This indicator can measure the efforts made to improve the safety and security of the working environment.
– Insurance rates doubling in a matter of two years: This indicator reflects the increased risk and potential financial impact of crime on the business.
For Target 11.7:
– Presence of homeless people in the restaurant: This indicator reflects the accessibility and inclusivity of public spaces in the community.
– Increase in drama with people in the dining room: This indicator suggests a lack of safety and inclusivity in the dining environment.
By monitoring these indicators, progress can be measured towards achieving the identified targets.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.8: Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers | – Number of break-ins at the business – Increase in security measures taken – Insurance rates doubling in a matter of two years |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green, and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities | – Presence of homeless people in the restaurant – Increase in drama with people in the dining room |
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Fuente: kmbc.com
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