Dallas — Crime in Deep Ellum is on the decline. That’s the message Dallas Police are issuing two years after introducing a detailed safety plan for the popular entertainment district and after implementing another one. Filming all night.
“There is always more to do, and there is always room for improvement,” Dallas Police Department spokeswoman Christine Roman acknowledged, “but we are working with the community to reduce crime in the area and across the city.”
Police say a man was shot multiple times near the 2900 block of Elm Street just after midnight.
Witnesses said the man noticed someone trying to break into his vehicle and tried to stop them, at which point the suspect opened fire and fled.
The victim was taken to a local hospital where he was last seen in critical condition, and police are still searching for the perpetrator and are seeking to reassure local residents that the measures they are taking to make the area safer are working.
“Right now, crime is down 10 percent across the Deep Ellum area,” Roman said. “Violent crime is down more than 6 percent. We’re seeing a decrease in car break-ins and stolen vehicles.”
Roman said the number of reported thefts has also been declining, but no one is letting their guard down.
“I think it’s fair to say that our presence in the area has grown, and it’s not going to stop,” Roman added. “Chief Garcia always says we can’t do this alone. There needs to be ongoing communication with our business stakeholders, with the people who live in the area, in terms of what they’re seeing, how we can improve, what their concerns are.”
Caitlin Miner is one of those many stakeholders.
“I love it. I’ve had no problems,” said Miner, who owns Jade and Clover Gift Shop on Main Street. “It’s a lot of fun. I get a different clientele all the time.”
Miner said the store caters mostly to Deep Ellum’s daytime crowd, but still has a big stake in how the surrounding area is perceived.
“So they mostly come during the day, they come at 6 o’clock. [p.m.]”They’re like, ‘We’ve got to go,'” Miner said.
Still, it’s important that Deep Ellum is safe for its nighttime visitors, too, so two years ago a detailed “Deep Ellum Safety Plan” was created that laid out a specific plan for fighting crime. Changes included redirecting traffic flow on weekends to create a safer space for pedestrians, a 24-hour safety hotline for reporting concerns, a more visible police presence, cameras, and consistent messaging that safety is a top priority.
“Chief Garcia always says, ‘We can’t do this alone.’ We need to be in constant communication with our stakeholders, the people who live in the area, about what they’re seeing, what improvements can be made, what concerns they have.”
The Deep Ellum Foundation has also launched an app for reporting concerns, and its 24-hour public safety hotline can be contacted by phone or text: 214-449-1493.
The foundation also hires off-duty officers to do extra patrols, a combination of both perspective and partnership, officials said.
“If you see something, say something,” Roman urges.
“That’s true,” Miner said, adding that she has noticed an increased police presence. “I’m just going to be careful and keep an eye on what’s going on, and it’s definitely going to be a good thing for everybody.”
