Overall violent crime, car thefts and larcenies fell while murders & business burglaries increased
Thirteen murders were recorded in District 10 in 2024, up from 10 in 2023.
While murders fell citywide by more than 26% from 248 to 183 overall, public safety officials did not see similar successes in Lake Highlands. Most of the District 10 murders took place along Forest Lane and northern Audelia Road.
In a statement sent to the Advocate, representatives from the Dallas Police Department said they have a plan for improving public safety in the area.
“I think what you have to do is go back to the people who are working on these issues and help them see what’s happening in your district,” District 10 Council Member Kathy Stewart says. “Explain what you’re concerned about and ask what they’re doing to address the violence. You just keep working on those resources like Project Safe Neighborhoods. I’ve talked to the assistant U.S. attorney as well, they’re bringing resources to the Forest and Audelia area. So I feel like we have made progress so far this year.”
According to the City Council’s weekly crime report from April 30, District 10 has recorded two murders so far in 2025, down from the five recorded at the same time in 2024. Stewart says she is looking to create a public improvement district for Forest Lane to create sustainable results in the area.
Overall, District 10 saw a reduction in violent crime from 2023 to 2024 — as did the city as a whole — with drops in nonfamily violence aggravated assault, simple assault, robberies and sex offenses.
“I think overall, the violent crime reduction plan that (former) Chief (Eddie) Garcia put in is amazing,” Stewart says. “It has had some amazing results.”
The Violent Crime Reduction plan was put in place in 2021 after three years of year-over-year increases in violent crime. The plan identifies targeted areas — like Forest-Audelia — and outlines enforcement and prevention strategies to tackle these “hot spots.”
However, through May 13, District 10 has recorded year-over-year increases in aggravated assaults and kidnapping/abductions in 2025.
Thefts of motor vehicles, shoplifting and other theft categories recorded drops in District 10 in 2024. Stewart says that a major vehicle theft ring was busted last year, which she believes is responsible for part of the drop.
“We identify areas with the highest weekly increase in crime and each watch commander executes a weekly operational plan. In addition, our Neighborhood Police Officers (NPOs) take a proactive approach by engaging with the community to speak with and educate the community regarding safety measures,” DPD wrote in a statement.
Burglaries of homes and businesses both increased in 2024. Business burglaries saw the highest spike with 349 cases recorded in 2024, up from 279 in 2023. DPD has not identified a pattern in the burglaries in District 10, according to a statement.
As of May 13, 121 business burglaries have been reported in District 10 in 2025, up from the 104 reported through the same period in 2024.
Most data in this story was obtained directly from the 2024 Year End DPD City Council Report. 2025 data was pulled from weekly City Council reports.
