By Leslie Collins
Northeast News
April 20, 2011

Burglaries at vacant properties are a problem in Kansas City and the Historic Northeast.

“Last year alone, there were 1,600 reported burglaries on vacant properties in the city. We estimate the number is probably three times that much because most of these are going unreported,” said Officer Jason Cooley of East Patrol. “I think East Patrol has the biggest problem because we house more vacant properties than any other division in the city.”

To deter criminals from stealing from vacant properties, Cooley is proposing a new city ordinance. He’s enlisted the help of City of Kansas City Attorney Beth Murano and Neighborhood and Community Services Department Director David Park to write the draft.

“It mimics an ordinance in Cleveland, Ohio, regarding vacant properties,” he said.

Currently, Kansas City police officers can’t arrest a trespasser unless the owner presses charges, he said.

Even if an officer witnesses an individual stealing items from a vacant property, the officer can’t arrest the individual unless the owner presses charges. A number of owners are out-of-state or out-of-state banks that don’t want to travel to press charges, he said.

“In essence, this ordinance makes the city the victim due to the blight it’s (burglaries) causing in the neighborhood,” Cooley said. “It’s lowering property values and lowering the city’s property tax revenue as a result.”

Park said he and Murano have modeled the ordinance’s wording after the one in Cleveland.

“If that person hasn’t established they have permission from the owner to be there, they can be arrested for trespassing,” Park said.

Copies of the proposed ordinance have been submitted to the city’s legal department and police department. Once those departments voice approval, the ordinance will be submitted to the city council for approval.

“We certainly have a problem with folks illegally salvaging materials out of vacant houses and vacant buildings,” Park said. “So, if it (ordinance) works the way it’s intended, it will fill an essential need and close a loop hole.”