Crime rates continue to be an issue for many parts of our Lake Highlands community.

One area that seems consistently hit by some of the most violent offenses are the neighborhoods surrounding Forest Lane and Audelia Road.

LH Today recently learned of a newly-formed community task force that's been created to address this issue.

So we sat down with Councilman Jerry Allen, District 10 Representative on the Dallas City Council, to get the full story.


LHT: Councilman Allen, we understand you have created a task force to look at crime in the Forest Lane/Audelia area. Why?

Allen: From day one of taking office, I put into place a task force that has concentrated on reducing crime and code violations in this area and throughout the entire district. As a result, crime is down and our Code Department has done an admirable job of enforcing the message that Lake Highlands will not tolerate code violations. This new Forest Lane/Audelia Task Force will use these building blocks, along with a new forward-thinking vision, to move this process to the next level.

LHT: What exactly do you mean by next level?

Allen: We can beat our chests, point our fingers all day long and play the blame game, or we can embrace the realization that all people, regardless of whether they live in single family homes or a multi-family complexes, simply want a better quality of life and a place where their children can grow and reach their full potential. Realizing this simple truth is the next level I'm referring to.

LHT: Are you suggesting a team effort between the single family home owners and multi-family complexes?

Allen: Why not? Good, decent people have the same basic goals and wants. Our community is already known for its great schools and its compassion, so why not build on this foundation? I would like to see an overall attitude akin to something along these lines - that it is a privilege to live in our community, and for those who choose to misbehave, the voices of all the good people will be very clear that the criminal element is not welcome in our community.

LHT: But crime seems to come predominately from the apartments, correct?

Allen: The higher the density, the greater the potential is for crime, yes. But when good people say they've had enough, the bad people will leave and go where folks will tolerate them. The problems we face are big ones, and they require a new approach. To truly make a difference and have meaningful change take place will take the combined efforts of the city, other local agencies, schools, the business community and the neighborhoods.