The Dallas Police Department has increased patrols around White Rock Lake after a rise in vehicle break-ins at and near the park this year.
Police told Fox 4 that 58 motor vehicle burglaries, commonly known as BMVs, have been reported in the White Rock Lake area in 2026. That compares with 18 through September 14, 2025, and 13 in all of 2024. The department said the 2026 figure includes incidents outside the immediate lake area.
In early September, For the Love of the Lake reported that Dallas police had counted at least 10 official vehicle burglaries at the park over the prior month.
Break-ins reported at popular lake spots
Recent incidents have been concentrated around the White Rock Lake Dog Park and the Bath House Cultural Center, according to local reviews of police reports cited by For the Love of the Lake.
Some of the recent break-ins occurred on weekday afternoons, including between about 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., as well as later in the afternoon and evening.
Visitors often leave cars unattended while they run, walk or bike the lake. Police say thieves commonly smash windows and grab anything left in view. Officers are urging people not to leave items that could attract attention inside a parked vehicle.
Police add bike and UTV patrols
The Northeast Patrol Division has sent additional bike and UTV patrols to parking areas where break-ins have been reported, including the dog park at 8000 Mockingbird Lane and an area at 300 E. Lawther Lane.
Officers have also met with local Crime Watch groups to promote the department’s “Lock, Take & Hide” message. Dallas Parks & Recreation has posted signs telling visitors to lock their vehicles, take their keys and hide their belongings.
“The department continues to monitor the area closely and is maintaining a focused approach that combines targeted patrols, community engagement, and enhanced crime-prevention messaging to reduce opportunities for these offenses,” Dallas police said in a statement to Fox 4.
Victims say break-ins are changing lake visits
Emma Jamail, who leads a Wednesday workout class at White Rock Lake, told Fox 4 that members of her group have had belongings stolen from their vehicles for three consecutive weeks. She said a wallet and work badge were among the items taken from her vehicle.
Another visitor, Lisa DeLano, said she tried to secure her belongings before a walk but returned to find her vehicle broken into. The only item taken, she said, was a bag of dog treats.
“I didn’t think that anyone would see that through the window and think, ‘Oh, that’s worth something.’ So my first reaction was just like, I hope they eat them,” DeLano told Fox 4.
She said the incident has changed how she feels at the lake.
“I spend time at the lake worrying about my belongings and my personal property. I spend time being suspicious of other people on the trail and trying to clock people now. And that’s not why you go to the lake,” she said.
Police urge visitors to secure vehicles
The 58 reports so far in 2026 are more than triple the 18 counted through September 14, 2025. Police counted 13 in all of 2024.
Despite the increase in vehicle burglaries, Dallas police said overall crime in the White Rock Lake area remains consistent with the previous two years.
Police recommend locking doors, closing windows completely and keeping valuables out of sight. Drivers should put backpacks, electronics and other belongings in the trunk before they pull into the lot when possible. Officers also warn that thieves may watch people move items from the cabin to the trunk after parking.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity, including people checking door handles or lingering in parking areas, should contact police. Call 911 if the situation is active or potentially dangerous.
Provided by Dallas Express
