Bar Owners Take Security Steps in Oak Lawn
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DALLAS (CBS11) - Neighbors and workers in the Cedar Springs/Oak Lawn area of Dallas have a heightened concern for safety, after a string of violent attacks that began earlier this fall.
Lee Daugherty owns Alexandre's bar on Cedar Springs Road. The establishment opened eleven years ago, but he says in the last few months, safety has become a growing priority.
"I've had two staff members attacked. It hits close to home. When someone attacks your family, you fight back," said Daugherty.
Dallas police are investigating eleven violent crimes since September 1st; among them, robbery, assault, and one hate crime.
Daugherty says he and several other business owners are taking their own precautions now.
He's purchased new, higher quality security cameras, and hired armed security to work weekend nights.
He also pays for Uber to take his staff to and from work, so they don't walk alone.
"It really does help, and the cameras also deter crime. The cameras also allow us to submit evidence so a proper prosecution can happen," he said.
At a regularly scheduled crime watch meeting Wednesday, Dallas police answered questions from residents who wanted to know what police are doing to address the safety concerns.
Major Jimmy Vaughn told the crowd they've added one sergeant and seven to eight officers to Oak Lawn, plus an undercover unit, bicycle and mounted patrols.
Vaughn stressed the need for people to not only call 911, but stick around and wait for officers to arrive and make a complete criminal report.
"Anything that's happening in our neighborhoods, happening on our streets, we need to be very vigilant reporting crime," said Daugherty.
Dallas police are expected to meet with the Dallas Tavern Guild and Cedar Springs Merchants Association on Thursday, Daugherty said.
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