Raleigh PD asks city to enhance street lighting in crime hotspot

The area around Paula and Hodges streets, just off Wake Forest Road, has become known over the years for its after-hours nightclubs that feature go-go dancers and allow patrons to bring their own beer, wine and champagne.

Some establishments stay open until 4 a.m. and food trucks take advantage of the hungry crowds leaving the clubs.

The police department says its working to enhance lighting and increase patrols to reduce gun violence.

“Every night, I am worried an incident is going to happen,” said Angela McLean, a manager at The G Loft. “I pray before I get here for the whole street that everybody goes home safe.”

The G Loft opened on New Year’s Eve after taking over the former Hawg Pen nightclub.

McLean said there have been no crimes at The G Loft in recent months, but she acknowledges the challenges around the business. She wants Raleigh police to establish more permanent weekend patrols and wants the city to install additional street lighting.

“It’s too dark. People do crimes in the dark,” McLean said. “I am crying out: how can I make it safe on the city’s street?”

Terry and Tim Davis moved their small family-owned business, Landmark Printing, to the area nearly 30 years ago. The couple used to work until after 11 p.m. some nights but recent crime has them leaving the area before sundown.

“One day, we came out and there were bullet casings all over our parking lot,” said Terry Davis. “I will say it’s gotten a lot worse.”

Raleigh police data shows 41 reports near the intersection of Paula and Hodges streets since April 2022, including eight assaults,15 drug offenses and nine weapons violations

The G Loft installed cameras and lighting on the property and hires private security on the weekend to search patrons for weapons before entering the club.

Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin called the recent crime “really concerning” and said Police Chief Estella Patterson has made reducing crime in the area “a number one priority.”

Police are also keeping a closer eye on the businesses to make sure they are following city ordinances.

“They can be shut down if they don’t comply and that could be the next step — shutting down some of these clubs if they are not following the rules and hiring security and making sure people are safe,” Baldwin said.

Raleigh police issued a $500 citation to The G Loft after a double shooting in March. McLean said she does not believe the club should be held accountable for violence outside the club or off the property.

“I have to control them in here, on this premises,” she said. “When they get off this premises how are you saying I am in control of them? I am not God.”