MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered after a string of organized liquor store burglaries in the Memphis area this year.
Crime Stoppers of Memphis and Shelby County said Thursday the Memphis Area Liquor Retailers raised the additional reward, which is in addition to the regular Crime Stoppers awards.
Investigators said more than 40 stores have been hit since May 19th of this year, all similar, with suspects smashing their way in and grabbing bottles and cases of alcohol. One of the most recent was caught on camera at Buster’s Liquors and Wines on Highland near Poplar on Aug. 5, 2022. Owner Josh Hammond said more than $15,000 in goods were stolen, and there was about $10,000 in damage.
Two stores were also targeted two hours apart in late June. Investigators said masked suspects in stolen cars used sledgehammers to break into Natalie’s Liquors in Cordova – stealing about $4,000 in high-end alcohol, then broke into Kimbrough’s Fine Wine and Spirits on Union Avenue in midtown, stealing about $6,000 in items.
Memphis Police ask that anyone who sees someone selling wine or liquor from a house or apartment, car, or through social media call Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH. Anyone who knows anything about the break-ins or suspects is also asked to call Crime Stoppers.