‘Love locks’ from KC bridge disappearing as man uses them for locksmith practice
Love locks have been slowly disappearing from the Old Red Bridge in south Kansas City off Red Bridge Road, as an amateur locksmith from Overland Park admits to using the locks to practice his skills.
The locks, each meant to represent the love of its owners, adorn the Old Red Bridge inside Minor Park, also known as the “Love Bridge.”
Kansas City Parks and Recreation has been aware of the situation since Monday. That’s when they received complaints aboutsocial media posts shared by the man demonstrating his locksmith skills on the bridge’s locks.
The man would pick the locks, take them and either re-lock them, keep them, sell them, or donate them to first responders, said Chief Park Ranger Rick Castillo.
According to a Facebook post, the locksmith said he began doing so out of concern for the condition of the bridge, citing that theory that the rusty locks are spreading rust to the galvanized metal.
“If you have something personal to you hung up there that you’d like to recover, feel free to reach out, it might be in my collection,” said the man in a Facebook post.
They’re attempting to have conversations with the man to resolve the matter quickly and amicably, said Castillo.
“From my discussion with him, I can say that he obviously didn’t have any ill intent,” said Castillo.
It’s under debate whether the locks would be considered abandoned property since they were left there, or stolen property, since they were taken, he said.
“The fact is that they were locked to a city property, and that means that the city has some responsibility for the locks,” said Castillo.
The man told Castillo that he called the department and got approval over the phone. Castillo denies that anyone in the department would give approval for the locks to be removed, and the man can’t name the individual who gave him permission, according to Castillo.
“People are really upset, and I think [the man’s] responses may not defuse it,” said Castillo. “They have an emotional connection to it, and he may not understand it, but I hope he can.”
Parks and recreation may have to refer the case to the city prosecutor to handle the situation if it can’t be solved through conversations, he said.
The locksmith declined to comment on the situation, explaining he’s fearful for the safety of his family after facing harassment and death threats.
This story was originally published July 11, 2025 at 3:36 PM.
