Shreveport Business Owner Seeks Security Solutions Amid Growing Concerns
Shreveport, La. — It’s a bustling day at Legacy Dance Studio, where kids are learning the art of dance and parents are anxiously waiting to pick them up. However, just outside the vibrant world of dance lies an unsettling reality faced by owner Terry Jackson, who is calling on the city for help. Nestled beside the abandoned Jolie Apartment Complex, Jackson’s studio has seen an alarming increase in unwanted guests and criminal activities since 2019.
Growing Concerns for Safety
Jackson shared her worries with the city council, emphasizing that the safety of the children attending her classes is her utmost priority. “We’re experiencing a significant rise in foot traffic — and not the kind we want,” she lamented. Vandalism, theft, and harassment have quickly become unwelcome guests at her dance studio.
She explained that the studio has suffered repeated incidents, including vandalism of their air conditioning units, graffiti on the building, and even parts stolen from their company van. “To make matters worse,” Jackson said with a heavy heart, “I have video footage of a person using my parking lot for, well, let’s just say not so family-friendly activities.”
The situation escalated to the point where they had to keep their doors locked at all times after multiple strangers could be seen wandering inside the building. This is not the kind of experience a business owner looks forward to, especially one dedicated to nurturing young dancers.
Loitering and Harassment Make It Difficult
Adding to her concerns, Jackson reported that loiterers have taken up residence in the lobby of her studio, often harassing parents who are simply there to pick up their kids after practice. “They can easily come over the levee in the back and even kicked down one of our wooden gates,” she revealed, painting a vivid picture of the accessibility to her property. “Right now, access to the deserted Jolie is alarmingly easy.”
In a heartfelt plea for action, Jackson proposed that installing a simple fence around her property could make a significant difference in deterring unauthorized individuals from trespassing. “We could really use some help here — just a fence would go a long way in helping secure our space,” she urged.
Previous Efforts at Security
In her effort to keep the premises safe, Jackson previously installed security lights, only to have them stolen, leaving them back at square one. Kelvin Vanright, who operates out of the same building with Vanright Counseling, also pointed out that their floodlight, meant to assist parents at pick-up times, was another victim of theft. “It’s frustrating and disheartening,” Vanright expressed.
Police Chief Steps In
In response to these mounting issues, Police Chief Wayne Smith has stepped onto the scene with a plan to remove trespassers in the area. This includes potentially tying the business’s security cameras into the Real Time Crime Center. It seems like a plausible way to not only monitor the situation but hopefully deter criminals from lingering around Jackson’s business.
In a show of support from the city council, attorney Marcus Edwards mentioned that he would be reaching out to the property’s lender to discuss the potential installation of additional fencing.
A Call for Action
As Jackson continues to fight for the safety and security of her business and the young students who come to learn and grow, it’s clear that the community’s support and the city’s decisive action will play a crucial role in turning the tide. Shreveport’s dance studio scene deserves to flourish without fear, and with the right actions, that dream can become a reality.
As discussions unfold and solutions are sought, let’s hope for brighter days ahead for the Legacy Dance Studio and the surrounding community!
