East Precint Robbery Alert

EAST PRECINCT ROBBERY ALERT
April 23^rd, 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.)

Although details vary, there are some common characteristics in these robberies:

1. 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.
2. The suspects are solo or multiple M/B’s. Several of the robberies appear to have a black or dark blue SUV involved.

The suspects have been heavily armed and have injured, on at least one occasion, or threatened to kill their victims. They should be considered armed and very dangerous.
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 2^nd 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.

Questions? Call:
Sgt. Dan Ogren
862.7500
dan.ogren@nashville.gov