Des Moines police have announced that they will collaborate with Hy-Vee to address the crime issues at its Court Avenue store. The store’s closure at 6 p.m. may potentially violate the agreement between Hy-Vee and the city. Des Moines police have confirmed that the downtown store on Court Avenue has received over 200 calls for service in the last six months, averaging more than one call per day. The increase in loitering and theft is one of the factors contributing to the decision by the grocery store chain to no longer remain open after 6 p.m. This decision has surprised downtown residents and neighborhood leaders, who emphasize the importance of essential amenities such as grocery stores and local businesses for the community.
President of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, Brandon Brown, expressed the residents’ support for these businesses and their desire to see them continue operating. Although Hy-Vee attributes the reduced hours to sluggish business following the pandemic, the current focus is on addressing the crime issues. The police have intensified efforts to address troublemakers on Court Ave over the past year and will likely collaborate with Hy-Vee to address the problem. Des Moines Police Spokesperson Paul Parizek acknowledged the multifaceted nature of the issue and expressed confidence in finding effective strategies to improve the situation, emphasizing the police department’s dedication to ensuring downtown safety. In addition to the crime concerns, the change in store hours impacts the agreement between Hy-Vee and the city of Des Moines, where Hy-Vee pledged to operate as a full-service grocery store in exchange for financial incentives. Hy-Vee is actively working with city leaders to resolve this new challenge, while Councilman Josh Mandelbaum hopes to see the store maintain its hours and continue providing extensive services in the future.
