LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It is a popular spot for restaurants and bars and now it is a popular spot for police. The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) is investigating a trend of violence along Bardstown Road. 

What You Need To Know

  • According to a weekly report from LMPD, this year’s homicide total is over 90

  • There were over one hundred reports in the past seven days of break-ins and car thefts according to data from LMPD’s crime mapping tool

  • Businessowners are trying to get customers back after restrictions lifted they say they don't need higher crime to keep customers away

  • Owners say they have to be more vigilant in reporting suspicious behavior

 

“I consider The Highlands a safe area,” said Nick Morris, the owner of Safety and Security Store on Baxter Avenue.

Investigators were called to look into a homicide early Thursday morning on Bardstown Road. According to a weekly report from LMPD, this year’s homicide total is over 90. Morris is also the vice president of the Highland Commerce Guild and is aware of the statistics. 

“It’s one of those things that it seems that we’ve had a spike in homicides. We are over 90 now,” said Morris. “All we can do is continue to pursue it and try to make it less of an event.”

Over on Frankfort Avenue, Geoffrey Heyde runs two restaurants, The Morning Fork and Fork and Fork and Barrel.

“As a business owner, Louisville is becoming a little ridiculous with the amount of crime that’s happening. I mean Frankfort Avenue, Bardstown Road, Downtown, it’s like what’s next,” said Heyde.

There were over one hundred reports in the past week of break-ins and car thefts according to data from LMPD’s crime mapping tool. Heyde said he’s heard from customers and other business owners about car break-ins too.

“It is added stress we don’t need. We come in worrying about staffing and wondering how many people are going to show up because restrictions are dropped,” said Heyde.

Morris recommends businesses look into security cameras and signs that might help to deter some criminal activity. He also thinks speaking up and reporting suspicious behavior can go a long way too.

“All we can do is everyone to take personal responsibility and be as safe as they can,” said Morris. “Be aware of their surroundings and report something that seems out of place,” he added.

Heyde is just worried some people might choose to stay home or take their business elsewhere.

“I do have a little concern that this might deter people from coming out. I hope it doesn’t,” said Heyde. “These are our livelihoods that we are worried about and we are trying to make a living like everyone else."

Related Stories