MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A $7,500 CrimeStoppers extra award has been posted in a series of smash and grab burglaries that hit City Gear and Hibbett stores in the Memphis area over the past few months.
The latest incident occurred on Lamar Avenue around 9 p.m. November 24.
Investigators said the front window had been busted out and the front door unlocked. They said parts of the store had been ransacked as the thieves stole merchandise. They also said officers found a sledgehammer outside that may have been used to bust out the window.
Police said a store manager told them the crooks got away with about $10,000 worth of items, including Jordan shoes, Grizzlies Jackets, Nike shoes, Grindhouse Jeans, Nike jogging suits, and Levi jeans.
“We are doing everything we can to prevent these burglaries,” parent company Hibbett, Inc. said. “We have experienced significant losses in merchandise and that doesn’t include all the damage to our stores.”
The company is taking several security measures for its stores, but also seeks the public’s help in catching any of the burglars.
CrimeStoppers said the $7,500 award will be added to whatever normal cash award they determine should be paid to any tipster who helps police make an arrest or issue a warrant for an arrest.
“We know plenty of people have information that could help us solve these felonies. They have seen video footage, or they know people who suddenly have expensive City Gear merchandise in their possession. We hope people will do the right thing and call 529-CASH (2274) with helpful tips,” CrimeStoppers Executive Director David Wayne Brown added.
CrimeStoppers said burglaries involving several perpetrators rushing into stores after dramatic break-ins have plagued many retail outlets throughout the country. In Memphis, stores like City Gear, Hibbett and numerous wine and liquor shops have felt the brunt of this particular type of crime, the agency added.
