Crime trends in the Town of Highland Park were mixed in 2025, council members heard on March 17 during a review of the Department of Public Safety 2025 Annual Report by Chief Chuck McGinnis.
While arson and murder remained at zero in 2025, the number of aggravated sexual assaults increased to 2 last year from 0 in 2024. Incidents of larceny/theft went up to 188 from 144, and motor vehicle theft increased to 29 from 24. Robbery was down to 1 from 2, assault was down to 17 from 19, and burglary was down to 18 from 25. Reported property loss decreased to $1,682,896 from $2,977,803.
McGinnis explained that the town is using technology to combat motor vehicle burglaries and other thefts, but that it will take time to see results from the growing programs.
“A drone program could be linked to these license plate readers, eventually,” he said. “Officers can really triangulate and catch people versus chasing them and jumping into backyards.”
The March 17 study session also included a review and discussion of the HP Strategic Plan, which will guide Town initiatives in the coming years. The plan’s priorities include Engagement and Connection, Operational Excellence, Safety and Security, Community Character, Facilities and Infrastructure, and Financial Stewardship.
The plan’s development process has included community surveys, focus groups with participation from Town Council members, and facilitated discussions led by the Town’s consultant.
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The Town intends to implement a public-facing dashboard to track progress toward strategic goals and to provide the community with visibility into implementation.
During the Town Council meeting that preceded the study session, Mayor Will Beecherl read a proclamation recognizing Friday, March 20, 2026, as “Celebration of Story Day” in the Town of Highland Park in conjunction with World Story Day. Members of the SMU English department faculty attended to celebrate the proclamation.
“We have invested a great deal of time an energy to put emphasis on World Storytelling Day and in a special that will air on WFAA Plus that highlights the activities that we are undertaking at SMU to emphasize the power of story,” noted Dr. Christopher González, Professor and Jacob and Frances Sanger Mossiker Endowed Chair in the English Department of SMU.
Included on the Consent Agenda was the approval of a Resolution authorizing the Town to participate in the 791 Purchasing Cooperative and for the Town Administrator to execute the required Master Interlocal Agreement.
