SOUTH DALLAS – On the desperate streets of South Dallas, corner stores have become less convenience and more of a concern.

"I think that the main concern is safety,” explained City of Dallas Community Prosecutor Demetria Frank. “And not just safety physically that when they go to these places they won't be in any type of danger but also safety of the products being served.”

Dallas Police, Fire, Codes and Health Departments made surprise visits to a half dozen of corner stores, many along Bexar Street.

Inspectors and officers passed out dozens of citations and warnings for a variety of violations.

The city's message: Clean up or get out.

Frank, a community prosecutor from the City Attorney's Office organized this crackdown after getting complaints of loitering, drinking and even drug dealing outside convenience stores. So last Friday, for the first time, she got city and state agencies together to start increasing enforcement.

"They have to do better,” said Dwaine Caraway, Dallas Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. “Number one who would want to continue to come in and redevelop or develop or even invest in our area if we don't clean it up?"

Sam's Liquor Store, in the 6200 block of Bexar Street, got two tickets and two warnings for fire code and health violations.

"We can't sell a cup of ice,” said Sung Hong, the store’s manager.

He is now trying to come into compliance with city codes.

But last week's sweep is the first of many, Frank warned.

In a community which investors often avoid, the city's crackdown is an effort to help South Dallas turn the corner, cleaning it up, and trying to encourage development in a discouraging place.

E-mail jwhitely@wfaa.com