The Metroplex Civic & Business Association (MCBA) released its latest monthly crime report this week, once again exposing a sharp contrast in public safety between Downtown Dallas and Fort Worth’s city center.
According to the March 2025 analysis, Downtown Dallas recorded a crime score seven times higher than Downtown Fort Worth. Motor vehicle thefts were particularly rampant, occurring 18 times more frequently in Dallas than in Fort Worth’s core.
Dallas saw 36 motor vehicle thefts, compared to just 2 in Fort Worth. Assaults followed a similar pattern, with 45 documented offenses in Dallas versus just 3 in Fort Worth — a 15-fold difference. Theft and larceny incidents were also more prevalent, with Dallas logging 60 cases and Fort Worth reporting 14.
“Public safety is the foundation of a thriving downtown, and these numbers show we’re still falling short in Dallas,” said MCBA President and CEO Onyinye Akujuo. “You cannot attract investment, sustain businesses, or ensure livability if residents and visitors don’t feel secure. Fort Worth’s results prove what’s possible when public safety is prioritized and law enforcement is supported.”
The disparity comes amid ongoing challenges at the Dallas Police Department (DPD), which remains critically understaffed. While a City analysis years ago called for a force of about 4,000 officers to meet demand, DPD currently operates with just over 3,000 — well below that threshold.
Meanwhile, Fort Worth’s downtown district benefits from a dedicated police unit and private security presence, helping deter criminal behavior before it escalates. Local leaders have attributed the city’s success to proactive policing, community partnerships, and policies that emphasize accountability over leniency.
As crime continues to rise in Downtown Dallas, business leaders and residents alike are calling on City Hall to take urgent action to reverse the trend and restore public confidence.
“The question is not whether Dallas can improve — it’s whether city leaders will choose to,” Akujuo added.
The full MCBA report is available for public review.
