Thieves Smash Holes Through Cinderblock Walls in String of Independence Business Break-Ins
Police are investigating a series of burglaries in Independence, Missouri, where thieves have been breaking through exterior cinderblock walls to gain access to businesses.
By Claire Decatur | Published: Oct. 2, 2026 at 3:02 AM GMT+2 | Updated: 1 hour ago
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Investigators with the Independence Police Department have confirmed a pattern of at least four connected burglaries, where thieves used sledgehammers to create entry points measuring just over two feet wide.
Break-In Details
- Rapid Fire Arcade: Thieves broke through 10 inches of brick and concrete, knocking over a monitor to gain access.
- Shoe Palace: Hit twice in September, once through a shared wall with a neighboring store and again by breaching an exterior wall.
- Old School Collectibles: Four cinderblocks were removed to steal Pokémon cards, leaving a sledgehammer behind.
Business owners are frustrated by the brazen break-ins and the significant losses suffered.
Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to contact the Independence Police Department.
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