SHELBY COUNTY, Tenn. — Crime in the Mid-South is officially on its way down once again, according to a new report by the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission.
The drop in crime is due largely, but not entirely, to a significant reduction in car thefts and thefts from cars.
“About a 30% drop in reported vehicle thefts compared to last year,” said Bill Gibbons, the Executive Director of the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission. “Law enforcement is focusing a lot more on tackling vehicle thefts. Memphis Police Department now has a specialized Auto Theft Task Force. They distributed thousands of steering wheel locks,” he said.
Memphians have also changed their behavior to be more aware of the problem, and Gibbons said that will likely need to continue moving forward.
“Residents deserve a lot of credit. There’s more of an awareness of the vehicle theft problem. The problem of thefts from vehicles. I think residents are just being a little more careful,” he said
But for some that have been the victim of a car crime recently, the overall trend doesn’t bring much relief.
“No. When it happens to you it doesn't feel like it. The national average or the city average doesn’t apply. I guess I'm the lucky one,” said Justin Dawkins, a recent victim of a car break-in.
This downward trend is something interim Police Chief CJ Davis has alluded to in the past, particularly when campaigning for the full time role earlier this year.
“Law enforcement needs to continue to focus on this, and I think they will continue to focus on it. Citizens need to continue to be very vigilant,” Gibbons said.