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Dallas' Increased Murder Rate Inspires 'Think Before You Thug' Movement

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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - In an effort to curb the recent spike in the Dallas crime rate, a new campaign is asking those targeted to 'Think Before You Thug'. The target for the campaign is high-crime areas in the city.

City council member Erik Wilson is behind the campaign that will consist of former criminals, community leaders and Dallas police officers. He said those that have made past mistakes, will educate those in the city's worst crime areas.

"They took it from the idea of their environment -- the streets. They want the younger generation to take it to heart; to really think about what they are doing," said Wilson. He said they want to change opinions about the idea of thinking. "They don't want thinking to be thought of as "square" or nerdish. They want them to understand it's ok to be smart. It's ok to be proactive and constructive instead of destructive," said Wilson.

Police have lined up a community fair meant to spread the word. Dallas had 14 more murders this year as of Monday than the city recorded on the same date last year.

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