KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Waldo Business owners are learning they have a lot in common with each other.
Many of them have been hit by thieves in the last few months.
At least six businesses in the southern Kansas City neighborhood have been robbed or broken into in recent weeks.
They include Pampered Paws, Classic Cookie, Romanelli's Optics and Wendy's.
The businesses are all located on Wornall Road between Gregory Road and 75th Street - but the crimes aren't following the same pattern.
Some owners say the thieves were women, others were men. Some were armed, others weren't. Some thieves acted during the day, others at night.
Many store owners say they've been in the neighborhood for 10 or 15 years and have never seen anything like this before. They say the quaint shopping and restaurant district attracts a loyal customer base. Joggers frequent the Trolley Trail, which runs right through the area, throughout the day.
Even though shop owners say they aren't going anywhere, they are tightening security. The owner of Hot Spot tanning salon wasn't hit but witnessed another business getting robbed. As a result, she's closing up early to protect her staff.
"I just want people to be safe and aware that it's in the neighborhood and it's close, too close," said Josephine.
Waldo has a business association but many store owners are unaware of a Neighborhood Watch Program.
Police have made some arrests but there are still some open cases.
