More Security In Oak Lawn With "Lights, Camera, Action" After Recent Attacks

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DALLAS (CBS11) — The Oak Lawn neighborhood in Dallas is stepping up security after nearly a dozen recent attacks.

Along with an increased presence from police and private security companies, community leaders have come up with a plan known as "Lights, Camera, Action": better lighting along streets and alleys, more business security cameras and an increase of vigilance by residents.

Since the gay pride parade in September, there have been 11 reported attacks in Oak Lawn. One has been deemed a hate crime, while investigators are unsure how many may be connected.

Even before the most recent string of attacks, residents say violent crime in the area had been on the rise.

In August, Jarret Duke was walking home at night, looking down at his phone, when from behind a group of men hit him on the head.

"I remember getting hit twice and then blacking out. I know they hit me several more times after that because I had several stitches here and staples back here and here," Duke said pointing to numerous scares on his head.

Since the attack, the place where Duke works, Alexandre's, has led a push among local bars in Oak Lawn to do more to protect its patrons and employees.

Owner Lee Daugherty said he has added armed security, upgraded his bar's video surveillance system and makes sure his customers and employees all have a safe way to get home at night.

Even though Duke lives less than a half-mile away from work, he's been taking an Uber ride home ever since the attack.

"I know when we get moving and get people on board with the plan, we'll go back to feeling comfortable in our community," he said. "Until then, we have to precede with caution."

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