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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police responded to an armed robbery at a business on average every day over the past two weeks. Dozens of business owners are now calling for action.
Just before 1 a.m. Thursday, a panic alert led officers to a gas station on East Shelby Drive. The clerk said a man with a gun wearing a black hoodie and black face mask held out a plastic bag and said, “Take your time, my brother just died. I’m not going to kill you.” , he said.
He fled with $225 and 10 packs of Newport cigarettes.
Thirteen other businesses reported armed robberies in the past two weeks, according to the city’s crime map. This averages out to one a day, not to mention robberies, theft, and shoplifting.
Business owners say dissatisfaction is growing. Dozens of them signed a draft letter sent by the Greater Memphis Assembly Speaker to the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House.
It is asking for help to curb crime, including financial aid and enhanced charges for stolen firearms.
City Councilwoman Rhonda Logan said she was glad to see business owners speaking out.
“And it’s important for the business community to step up like that. It sends the message that everyone is actively participating. It’s impacting all of us,” Logan said. “I’m very concerned about the economic impact, the negative economic impact, but it’s for the safety of our residents and our people.”
They are also discussing solutions.
“I’ve been talking to a lot of business owners in my district about what they can do,” Logan said.
This week, Memphis Police Chief C.J. explained some of the ways MPD is fighting back. These include hiring a historic number of new recruits and creating Connect Memphis, which allows business owners to purchase hardware and storage to connect cameras to a real-time crime center and provide live footage to officers. included.
Mr Davis said he would like to work with chambers of commerce and tourism boards to create a Business Security Alliance to improve communication about crime trends.
“Part of my vision is for the business community to help each other, to have a broader network, and to enable different government agencies to work with us in a holistic approach,” Davis said.
Davis also told council that overall crime has decreased in all nine precincts over the past month.
Thursday morning’s incident is the second armed robbery reported in the area in recent days.
Police said there were no injuries. Last I checked, no arrests had been made.
If you know anything, please call CrimeStoppers at (901) 528-CASH.
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