This issue needs little introduction – many of us have attended APD forums and gotten the lecture on the crime triangle – Desire – Ability – Opportunity. All three parts of the crime triangle are amply represented in North Austin. Even those areas relatively sheltered from crime are subject to risk if the contagion spreads.

Like most issues, crime is interwoven with other issues, like income and affordability, school quality, and even land use. These are long-term challenges – and little comfort to people in North Austin who have to deal with existing realities.