The Dallas Police conducted an enforcement operation last Friday in the area of Harry Hines Boulevard, leading to the arrest of several women and a suspected pimp.
The area in NW Dallas has been known as a haven for prostitution for many years, but last summer, Eric Lindberg of the Northwest Dallas Business Association said the problem had worsened.
“It’s a growing problem in this area,” Lindberg told NBC News. “Obviously, weather, nicer weather, people want to be outside, no matter what type of activity it is. So, it certainly increases the challenge for law enforcement here in Dallas, not having enough police officers to definitely have an impact. We can’t patrol enough.”
Residents and business owners in the area have complained about the obstruction the activities of these women cause in their daily lives and in their businesses, as well as the violence that sometimes occurs.
“It’s a violent business, not only for the women that are in it but for folks like us that try to report it. There’s retaliation,” Lindberg told NBC News. For that reason, Lindberg declined to identify his business and location.
Business owner George Cassio noted that prostitutes are a common sight across the street from his auto repair shop on Walnut Hill Lane. “It happens all the time; they are here all day, every day,” Cossio told CBS News. “It’s bad for business.” He expressed concern for the safety of his customers and their vehicles.
Deputy Chief Thomas Castro of the Dallas Police Department said concerning prostitution in the area: “It’s just been an issue for many years; I think we have to change the culture.”
He said that prostitution is a crime that police see more of during g special events, such as the Texas-OU football weekend. He said that Friday’s enforcement operation was just one of several over the past few weeks.
“Since we’ve been doing several operations this year, we see some improvement,” Castro told CBS News. “Business owners that we are in contact with on a regular basis are thanking us, saying that it’s getting better.”
The Police Department stated that everyone arrested on prostitution charges would be offered a diversion program and resources to escape sex trafficking and wipe it off their criminal record.