Security

This page centralizes West Bottoms safety resources: how to report incidents, monthly crime data from both KCPD and KCKPD (with charts), downloadable reports, the WatchKC camera registry, Security Committee details, and CPTED guidance to harden properties and public spaces.

See something? Say something.

Report incidents immediately—and accurately. Complete reports (correct time and location, clear descriptions, plate numbers, and any photos/video) feed the data law enforcement analyzes each month. Better data = smarter policing, targeted prevention, and a safer West Bottoms.

Always file an official police report — KCPD on the Missouri side, KCKPD on the Kansas side — for every incident. Accurate reporting helps identify patterns, justify resources, and guide CPTED fixes.

Missouri Side

KCPD Crime Stats — May 2026

Totals by Category

14
Total
Property
12(85.7%)
Person
2(14.3%)
Total14

Top Offenses

12
Total
Motor Vehicle Theft
4(28.6%)
Vandalism/Destruction
3(21.4%)
Burglary
2(14.3%)
Theft From Building
2(14.3%)
Aggravated Assault
1(7.1%)

Offense Breakdown (Current vs Previous Month)

Assault Offenses
Total: 2
1 from prev.
Aggravated Assault
1 1 from prev.
Simple Assault
1 0 from prev.
Burglary(2)
2
2 from prev.
Larceny/Theft Offenses
Total: 3
1 from prev.
Theft From Building
2 1 from prev.
Theft From Motor Vehicle
1 0 from prev.
Motor Vehicle Theft(4)
4
3 from prev.
Vandalism/Destruction(3)
3
0 from prev.

Crime Trends (May 2025 – May 2026)

Total Crimes per Month

0816243224May '2521Jun '2518Jul '2527Aug '2521Sep '2524Oct '2515Nov '2522Dec '2522Jan '269Feb '268Mar '2615Apr '2614May '26

Property vs Person Crimes

Property
Person
07142027186May '25201Jun '25162Jul '25234Aug '25183Sep '25177Oct '25141Nov '25202Dec '25202Jan '2681Feb '2662Mar '26123Apr '26122May '26
Kansas Side

KCKPD Calls for Service — May 2026

KCKPD reports calls for service — all police dispatch activity including crime reports, proactive patrols, and community checks. This differs from KCPD crime data above, which tracks confirmed criminal offenses.

Calls by Category

50
Total
Crime-Related
14(28.0%)
Proactive Policing
14(28.0%)
Suspicious Activity
3(6.0%)
Other Services
19(38.0%)
Total50

Most Common Calls

21
Total
Traffic Stop
10(20.0%)
Abandoned Vehicle Check
3(6.0%)
Animal Complaint/Investigation
3(6.0%)
Generic PD
3(6.0%)
Burglary
2(4.0%)

All Calls for Service

Crime-Related
Proactive Policing
Suspicious Activity
Other Services
Traffic Stop10Abandoned Vehicle Check3Animal Complaint/Investigation3Generic PD3Burglary2Disturbance - Non Domestic2M Overdose/Poisoning BC2Shots Fired2Stolen Auto2Suspicious Person2Theft2Welfare Concern2911 Investigation1Alarm Hold Up1Alarm Residential/Business1Assist The Public1Crash - W/Injuries1Crash- No Injuries1Disturbance - Domestic1Fail to Yield1Loud Music/Noise Complaint1M Traffic/Transportation AB1Missing Adult1Pedestrian Check1Suspicious Crowd/Activity1Traffic Investigation/Complaint1Trespass1

KCKPD Monthly Reports

Security Committee

The HWBA Security Committee meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month to discuss and address safety concerns in the West Bottoms. Please check the Events page for upcoming meeting details.

WatchKC Partnership

Register your cameras to help KCPD identify suspects and evidence. Locations are mapped; police contact you only if needed for nearby crimes.

No direct access without permission. 100% voluntary; opt out anytime.

Register at kcpolice.org/community/watchkc. Info confidential to KCPD.

CPTED: Safer by Design

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a strategy that brings together community members to examine how the physical design of an area can influence human behavior, reduce crime, fear of crime, and improve quality of life.

The Historic West Bottoms Association applies CPTED principles to enhance safety throughout our neighborhood, working with residents and business owners to create a more secure environment. Read more about CPTED.

Some Key Principles

  • Natural Surveillance: lighting and visibility (low landscaping, clear sightlines).
  • Territorial Reinforcement: signage and design that signal ownership and care.
  • Access Control: gates and landscaping to guide traffic and limit access.

Steps to Implement

  1. Assess the environment for safety issues.
  2. Engage the community to gather concerns and ideas.
  3. Design with CPTED principles.
  4. Monitor and adapt based on trends.
Well-lit street supporting natural surveillance
Clear sightlines with low landscaping and transparent fencing
Building entrance with signage and controlled access
Community meeting about safety and CPTED