Property crimes surged across Highland Park and University Park between January 12-18, with vehicle burglaries and residential break-ins marking a troubling start to 2026 that has Preston Hollow residents on heightened alert.

Highland Park police reported six vehicle burglaries concentrated along Mockingbird Lane and in the Hackberry Creek area, while University Park documented four residential burglary attempts and two cases of criminal mischief. The crime pattern mirrors increases Dallas police have tracked in adjacent Preston Hollow neighborhoods, where similar property crimes jumped 23% in December.

“We’re seeing coordinated activity that doesn’t respect city boundaries,” said Highland Park Police Chief Mike Kessler. “These suspects move between jurisdictions, which is why we’re coordinating closely with Dallas PD and University Park.”

The most significant incident occurred January 15 when burglars broke into three vehicles parked outside Armstrong Elementary in Highland Park, stealing purses, laptops, and cash totaling more than $8,000. Two blocks away, suspects attempted to break into a Preston Road home but fled when the alarm system activated.

University Park police arrested two suspects January 17 after they were caught breaking into vehicles near SMU’s campus. The arrests came after a coordinated patrol operation involving Dallas police officers covering the Preston Hollow boundary areas.

Dallas City Council member Paul Ridley, who represents parts of Preston Hollow, said the regional crime pattern demonstrates why North Dallas needs coordinated law enforcement strategies.

“Crime doesn’t stop at city limits,” Ridley said. “When we see increases in the Park Cities, Preston Hollow typically follows the same trends within 48 hours.”

The January crime reports show vehicle burglaries occurred primarily between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., with suspects targeting unlocked cars and vehicles with items visible inside. Highland Park documented thefts of purses left on passenger seats, while University Park reported stolen electronics and gym bags.

Residential burglary attempts concentrated on homes without visible security systems. In three University Park cases, suspects approached back doors and windows before fleeing. One Preston Hollow resident reported suspicious activity matching the same pattern on Northwood Road.

Criminal mischief cases included graffiti on Hillcrest Road and damaged mailboxes along University Boulevard. University Park estimates cleanup costs at $2,400, while Highland Park reported $1,800 in property damage.

The crime surge occurs as Texas legislators consider bills affecting local police funding and regional law enforcement cooperation. State Representative Morgan Meyer, who represents the Park Cities and Preston Hollow, said he’s monitoring whether current coordination protocols need legislative updates.

“Local police departments do excellent work, but property crime networks operate regionally,” Meyer said. “We need to ensure our laws support the coordination these departments already practice.”

Dallas police data shows Preston Hollow’s crime patterns typically lag Park Cities incidents by 24-72 hours, a trend that has held consistent for three years. When Highland Park reports vehicle burglaries on weekends, Preston Hollow sees similar crimes the following Tuesday or Wednesday.

The correlation reflects suspect mobility and the geographic proximity of affluent neighborhoods with similar target profiles. Crime analysts say suspects often test security measures in one area before moving to adjacent communities.

Highland Park implemented increased patrols along its eastern boundary with Preston Hollow following last week’s incidents. University Park added overnight coverage near the SMU area and Preston Road corridor.

Preston Hollow residents have organized informal neighborhood watch coordination with Park Cities groups, sharing information about suspicious activity and crime patterns. The collaboration includes email alerts and social media coordination.

North Dallas crime prevention efforts also connect to broader environmental factors including street lighting, landscaping that creates hiding spots, and traffic patterns that provide quick escape routes.

Regional law enforcement coordination includes shared patrol areas during high-crime periods and joint investigations for suspects who cross jurisdictional boundaries. The approach has produced arrest rates 40% higher than individual department efforts.

Police recommend residents remove valuables from vehicles, install visible security systems, and report suspicious activity immediately. The multi-jurisdictional nature of recent crimes makes quick reporting essential for patrol coordination.

“We solve these cases through rapid information sharing,” Kessler said. “When Preston Hollow residents call Dallas police about suspicious activity, that information reaches us within minutes.”

The January crime spike follows a December pattern where property crimes increased across all North Dallas affluent neighborhoods. Police attribute the trend to organized groups rather than opportunistic individual crimes.

Upcoming Park Cities and Preston Hollow neighborhood association meetings will address crime prevention strategies and coordination with police departments. Highland Park schedules its community safety meeting for February 3, while Preston Hollow’s association meets February 8.

Residents can report non-emergency suspicious activity to Highland Park police at 214-559-7254, University Park at 214-987-5000, or Dallas police at 214-670-4415. Emergency situations require immediate 911 calls regardless of jurisdiction.