Burlington, Vermont — Local business owners in Burlington are sounding alarm bells over a surge in crime downtown, saying it’s hurting tourism, making parents uneasy, and pushing small shops close to the edge.
- More than 170 businesses in Burlington signed a petition urging city leaders to take action, citing spike in graffiti, shoplifting, and public drug use downtown.
- The city is a hub for college students (home to the University of Vermont) and tourism, including seasonal leaf-peeping visitors, and these groups are reportedly now changing travel plans or avoiding certain areas out of concern for safety.
- Parents of prospective or current students have raised worries about security in off-campus areas, especially at night. Foot traffic downtown has decreased, contributing to declining sales in retail and hospitality sectors.
- Local law enforcement supports more visible policing. Deputies argue that regular patrols—especially foot patrols—help both deter crime and build community trust.
- City officials, including the mayor, acknowledge the problem but express concern that beefed-up police enforcement may clash with efforts toward restorative justice and community reform.
- Since 2020, the Burlington Police Department has stepped up foot patrols and instituted “directed patrols” through key downtown zones. Despite these efforts, many business owners say they still feel vulnerable.
The combined pressure from local businesses, parents, and tourism boards is pushing Burlington’s leadership to consider comprehensive changes in how public safety is managed—balancing enforcement, civic engagement, and restorative approaches.