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Memphians demanding solutions after three more delivery trucks were targeted by thieves

Packages were stolen from a FedEx truck and two UPS trucks within hours on Tuesday, Jan. 2.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. —

Memphians are calling for accountability and solutions as more delivery trucks were targeted by thieves.

On Tuesday, Jan. 2, thieves stole packages from two UPS trucks and a FedEx truck all within five hours.

The first robbery was around 1:00 p.m. in Hickory Hill. Memphis Police (MPD) released video of thieves grabbing boxes and running out of the truck.

The next incident was around 4:30 p.m. in the 5100 block of Queen Elizabeth Fairway. Investigators said a UPS driver was parked when he heard someone open the van door. MPD said three suspects in masks started removing packages, and yelled at the driver to stay where he was. They took off in a black Nissan Maxima which investigators said was later spotted behind Fairley High School with suspects going through packages.

Auto Burglary 5100 block of Queen Elizabeth Fairway Report #2401020693ME MEMPHIS, TN – On January 2, 2024, at 4:28 p.m., officers responded to an auto burglary that occurred in the 5100 block of Queen Elizabeth Fairway. Officers were advised that the victim, a driver for UPS, was parked in the 5100 block of Queen Elizabeth Fairway when he heard somebody open the delivery van door. Three unknown Black male suspects, in black hoodies with masks covering their faces, started removing UPS packages from the van. The unknown suspects yelled at the victim to stay where he was while they loaded a black Nissan Maxima. The suspects then left the scene. Officers received a suspicious call at 4950 Fairley Rd at Fairley High School. Officers were advised a black sedan was parked in the rear of the school, going through packages. The suspect vehicle fled prior to the officer's arrival but was captured on camera. The suspects were three Black males wearing all-black clothing in a black Nissan Maxima. No arrests have been made. This is an ongoing investigation. A video of the suspect vehicle is attached. Anyone with information about this incident should call Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH. You will be given a secret ID number, and your identification will remain completely anonymous. You can also submit your tip at http://www.crimestopmem.org, where you can review wanted fugitives and safely send investigators any helpful information on the suspect or suspects responsible for this crime. You can submit anonymous tips from our free and secure mobile app by searching your app store for “P3 Tips”. If an arrest is made, you could be eligible to receive a cash reward from Crime Stoppers of Memphis and Shelby County, Inc.

Posted by Memphis Police Department est.1827 on Monday, January 8, 2024

The third was about 45 minutes later. Video from an ABC24 viewer shows a driver going inside to make a delivery on Appling Road. Thieves immediately pull up behind the UPS truck, stealing several packages before taking off. This upset April Bush, who works nearby.

"We work so hard for our money to buy the things that we want and it's so sad for someone just to steal them," said Bush.

Another Memphian, Demontae Kimble, said this rash of thefts is unsettling.

"My package could have been on that truck, and it could've been something I needed. What if it's something I really need? like me having a newborn, what if I need those pampers or those wipes,” said Kimble.

Bush said there must be a solution and believes it could take a collaborative effort from the community.

"Parenting can help. being aware of your surroundings and always try to look out for your neighbors," said Bush.

But, Kimble thinks the delivery companies should be held accountable.

"They should be armed. They should have more cameras and they should stop riding with the doors open," said Kimble.

FedEx released the following statement:

“We have rigorous safety and security programs in place and regularly issue reminders to our employees and service providers about the importance of both personal and vehicle safety. This includes remaining vigilant and immediately reporting any unusual activity. Additionally, we proactively address potential threats by engaging with local, state, and federal law enforcement authorities and by monitoring crime trends. We apply these learnings internally on a regular basis to ensure our security procedures remain current.” 

UPS released the following statement:

We are aware of the incident involving members of our team. The safety and well-being of our employees is our number one concern. Drivers are taught to be aware of their surroundings and to report anything they consider unsafe to the police and their local management team. We work with local law enforcement across the country to stay abreast of crime in specific areas and take appropriate measures if criminal activity becomes a concern.

As this is an ongoing investigation, we are not able to make additional comments currently, but instead defer to investigating authorities.

MPD believes the two UPS thefts could be connected. All of these incidents are under investigation.

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