LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The windows of a Las Vegas Arts District business were shattered this week, costing the business owner thousands of dollars.
FOX5 has been covering crime in the area for months. Back in March, back-to-back break-ins at Tacotarian and Dig It Coffee initiated an effort for improved security.
The Arts District Safety Coalition was formed in April, and Thursday the group met for the second time. The coalition is made up of City of Las Vegas leaders, City Marshals, Metro Police, private security groups and business owners.
“We’re not leaving but that’s why we’re fighting so hard is because we love it so much down here and we know how much potential that it has,” Tacotarian’s Co-founder Kristin Corral says, who is one of the business owners spearheading the movement.
She says since the coalition was formed, she’s seen more Metro Officers in the area. Data from Metro shows property crime has decreased 25% from April to June in the zip code Tacotarian is located in.
“It’s that partnership with the community and the business owners that allows me to know where the disorder is, and where the crime is occurring,” Metro’s Downtown Area Command Captain Adam Seely says.
Corral is now asking what more the City of Las Vegas can do to help. She suggested more lighting, security cameras, and more security grants.
“We kind of do these things, and we say a lot of things that are going to happen, and it just doesn’t seem like a lot of things happen,” Corral says.
Ward 3 Councilwoman Oliva Diaz says the city is “equally as frustrated” as business owners.
“I am taking in their input, and the moment we have the funds to make something tangible a reality, it’s go time,” Diaz says.
Diaz says the city has put millions of dollars toward public security. On Thursday, she committed to adding two City Marshals, specifically for the Arts District, by the end of summer.
As for Corral, she says she’s frustrated by what’s continuing to happen to her business, but hopeful about the addition of two City Marshals. She will continue to attend the quarterly coalition meetings and fight for the safety of the Arts District.
The next meeting will be held in three months.
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