MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Patrol Officers said there’s been a recent uptick in crime in Downtown Memphis.
Officers told WREG they’ve increased patrols and made their presence known especially throughout the night.
Dozens of thefts, robberies, drugs and assaults were reported within the last few weeks.
One victim said she left Memphis hours after she was attacked at Union and Main walking back from a Halloween party on Beale.
“I heard footsteps coming up behind us. I turned around. The man was right behind us in our face. He said ‘give me your purse,'” said victim Taylor Bryant.
She said she tried to fight back with pepper spray, but the man hit the women and took their purses.
MPD’s Cyberwatch showed there were nearly 400 incidents reported within the last two months including 29 burglaries and robberies, 57 assaults and 47 automobile thefts.
“I have heard of other people’s cars being broken into a lot like in garages and places like that,” said Cynthia Johnson who hangs out downtown.
We asked MPD for crime stats from this time last year to see if there’s actually been an increase, and here is what they sent us.
These numbers are for September 6, 2014 to November 6, 2014.
Crimes
- Robberies: 19
- Aggravated Assaults: 7
- Burglaries: 7
- Auto Thefts: 11
- Larceny: 123
- Arson: 0
Patrol Officers told WREG though they’ve seen an uptick, and it’s even seeping into gated neighborhoods and apartment complexes.
“The crime is everywhere. Not just downtown. It’s everywhere. People just feel safe downtown,” said Stacy Spanks who works downtown.
City officials said the zip code is still the safest in the city.