Crime in OLH

Dear Old Lake Highlands Neighborhood Association Members,

One of the key areas of focus for our Neighborhood Association is Safety. The OLHNA is pleased to report that over the last two years, crimes of all categories have been in decline in our neighborhood, which is in contrast to trends across Dallas. We believe having conscientious neighbors who look out for each other is one reason for the decline. Another is our long-standing Volunteers in Patrol (VIP) program in Old Lake Highlands led by Jim Dixon. Jim and our volunteers dedicate their time to receive training from the Dallas Police Department and then apply that training to the patrols they perform throughout our neighborhood. 

However, over the past two weeks, we have seen residential burglaries increase in OLH in a "summer spike" of activity. Thus far, none of these burglaries have involved break-ins into occupied homes, but have involved theft from detached garages, open garage doors overnight, unlocked vehicles, and one unoccupied residence. These burglaries are not concentrated within one of our OLH zones but across all the zones that comprise our OLH footprint. 

What can you can do?

1. Make your home look occupied and make it difficult to break in.

2. Keep your garage door closed and access doors locked.

3. Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave your home or go to bed.

4. Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers, or flyers to build up if you are away.

5. Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.

6. Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.

7. Lawnmowers, barbecues, and bicycles are best stored out of sight.

8. Don't share your vacation plans on social media.

9. Finally, continue to look out for your neighbors. It is what makes our neighborhood such a great place to live!

Let's all stay diligent to continue to live in one of the safest neighborhoods in Dallas!