TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – A group of Tucson business owners tell the News 4 Tucson Investigators they have been dealing with more crime and vandalism than they have ever seen before.

“In years past we would leave St. Phillips Plaza unlocked at night, if we do that now we will see graffiti, people camped in our bathrooms, and open drug use,” said Grant Krueger who owns Union Public House, Reforma, and Proof.

Krueger showed us the improved fencing he’s had to spend thousands on to secure the properties.

Krueger says he blames Tucson City Council for the problems due to what he calls lax policies on homelessness and open drug use, he says businesses are left paying what he calls a crime tax.

Chorus Nylander, KVOA News 4 Tucson