April 23rd, 2009
This current week, there have been at least nine armed robberies of citizens in East Nashville. These robberies occurred on and around:
- Shelby Street & Historic Edgefield,
- The South Inglewood area around Porter Road & Riverside Drive, and
- The Trinity Lane to Jones Avenue area. (Three robberies on Edwin Street.)
- All of the robbery victims were citizens who were outside, “on the street.” There were walking to vehicles, engaged in leisure activities or conducting routine business.
- The suspects are solo or multiple M/B’s. Several of the robberies appear to have a black or dark blue SUV involved.
Street Safety Tips:
- Watch for danger signs. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Use your senses: Visual, Auditory, Intuitive & Situational. Forget political correctness. People do not have a right to not be insulted. If something seems suspicious call 862.8600 and report it. The MPD has the obligation to separate the wheat from the thorns.
- A person within 20 feet of you can pose a threat, Try to keep an at least casual watch on the comings and goings within 20 feet of you.
- Nighttime is the right time for violence. (All robberies are occurring at night.)
- Party in moderation or less than moderation. Alcohol does not make you bulletproof.
- Do not engage in high-risk activities.
- There’s safety in numbers.
- Call MPD instead of braving the gauntlet. We do security escorts.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Watch for loiterers.
- Give a wide berth to darkness & hiding places: shrubs, alleys, fences, breezeways, doorways, dumpsters, etc.
- Choose flight over fight.
- Do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself.
- Walk confidently & with a purpose.
- Make eye contact & look for eye contact. If you’re being tracked – you’re being targeted.
- Carry & display a cell phone.
- Do not carry a purse if it’s not needed.
- Do not display large sums of cash.
- Minimize your bling & unnecessary items.
- Women: separate driver’s license, credit cards & major currency denominations.
- Men: carry a 2nd wallet of small bills & worthless cards.
- Use ATM’s inside businesses.
- Vary your routine, professionally & socially.
- Vary bank deposit times and locations.
- Do not open your wallet or purse for anybody.
- Do not stick around to find out if dude needs a light, needs directions, or anything else.
- Do not let strangers invade your personal space – politely keep your distance and remember that people do not have the right to not be insulted.
- Choose flight over fight.
- Do not resist a robbery, car-jacking, or a seemingly desperate assailant.
- Do not force a bluff about weapons.
- Give it away if there’s a dangerous weapon involved. Remember, it’s just stuff.
- Don’t make sudden moves - unless it’s the real deal and you have determined that you have nothing to lose.
- Guard your head.
- Do not chase suspects.
- Pre-plan to park under a light or in a well-lit area.
- Try not to park next to vans or panel trucks.
- Scan your surroundings as you approach your car.
- Carry your keys in your hand upon approach.
- Prepare to activate your car alarm.
- Make rapid ingress/egress transitions.
- Upon entry, immediately lock the doors.
- Keep your windows rolled up when stationary.
- Consider exercise. Health increases your survival rate.
- Wear decent shoes, if possible.
Sgt. Dan Ogren
862.7500
dan.ogren@nashville.gov