New Year's Resolutions for Midtown from Union Station

Fellow Midtowners,

Col. Russell Houston of Union Station has offered these three important New Year's resolutions for keeping us all safe in 2012. Take a minute to read them and think about what you can do to keep the resolutions. They don't cost anything--only our determination to keep our beloved Midtown "a safe place to live and work." We all want that for ourselves and for our neighbors.

"Be a part of the solution!" Take these resolutions to heart for the New Year!

Best,

Peggy Williamson, Midtown Security Community Chair

Union Station New Year's Resolutions:

1. "Stow it; don't show it." You've heard this many times before. Help reduce the number of times that Midtown cars get broken into because someone has left something attractive in full view. Union Station has posters with the slogan on it you can put up at your business or place of worship.

2. Let "wandering workers" find other employment--but not in Midtown! ( Don't hire them.) Our Union Station officers know these "wandering workers" by sight and by name. They see them working in Midtown yards because someone was willing to hire them. The officers have warned us that we are taking big risks when we hire "wandering workers." They can't believe that some Midtowners still hire "wandering workers." Recently the Evergreen News wrote about concerns about hiring "wandering workers."

3. Be very aware of your surroundings. Call the police if something happens or if something looks suspicious. Robbery always involves the taking of property from another person, accompanied by the threat of violence. Victims should not resist turning over property, but instead comply and try to get a good description of suspect(s)(height, weight, facial characteristics, clothing, speech, tattoos,) or vehicles (make, model, damage, tag number, etc.). The police should be contacted immediately using 911. Victims are not encouraged to follow or pursue robbery suspects. Union Station is also experiencing some thefts of license plates from parked vehicles. Please encourage everyone to: 1) park in well-lighted areas, 2) keep an eye on the tag on their parked vehicles and 3) pay particular attention to anyone prowling around driveways or parking lots.

Here's to a safe and Happy New Year in 2012!

Thanks to Everyone from Union Station Officers!

(Note: Many thanks to all Midtowners who donated food and/or money to provide for our Union Station officers over the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day weekend. The following thank you note was sent to me by Col. Russell Houston of Union Station. Happy New Year! Peggy Williamson, Chair, Midtown Security Community)

"Well, you and Ms. White said to expect some food donations for our Officers from the good people of Union Station.

WOW!

When I arrived at Union Station this morning, the refrigerator was full and there were all kinds of cookies, cakes, brownies, and every other kind of snack imaginable filling the tables nearby. I’m told we also had a variety of sandwiches and even a pork loin, all of which were quickly consumed.

On behalf of our Officers, please convey our sincere THANKS to everyone that donated the goodies over the weekend.

We love our job, but working the Holidays can sometimes be a drag.

Having something to snack on makes it go much easier.

We are indeed very fortunate to have citizens like you, and the other residents of Union Station, who think of us during the Holidays.

We look forward to serving each of you during the New Year.

Thank you again,"

Colonel Russell G. Houston

Memphis Police Department

Union Station Commander

1925 Union Avenue

Memphis, TN 38104

Office: (901) 636-4600

Fax: (901) 274-8182

Support Union Station Officers on Christmas Eve!

We are very fortunate to live in the Union Station precinct. On Christmas Eve while many of us are celebrating with family and friends our Union Station officers will be out patrolling Midtown to make sure that we stay safe.

There is a great opportunity for you to help make a difference for these officers who will be giving up time with their families to work Christmas Eve. If you are going to be in town and can take food to the precinct on Christmas Eve, please plan to do so. We want to demonstrate our support and concern for these men and women by making sure they are well fed.

Make cookies or a cake. Buy some soft drinks. Send an e-mail to your neighbors and take up a collection to buy food together to take to the precinct. Buy something tasty to take to the precinct. Whatever you can offer will be greatly appreciated we are sure. It is important that you label the food you bring. Attach the following information: Your name, address, and "Midtown Security Community thanks you for keeping us safe." Bring the food in a container that you will not need back. See that the food gets to the precinct some time during the day on Saturday, Dec. 24. We hope to have food and drinks for the officers all day and night.

If you've never been a part of providing food to the precinct, it is a very rewarding project. The officers are deeply appreciative.

Thank you for making sure that we honor our Union Station precinct officers and staff. "Be a part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live and work."

Happy Holidays,

Peggy Williamson

Chair, Midtown Security Community

Union Station Alert! Please Read

The following alert was provided by Lt. Danny Barham of Union Station. This is a way we can support Union Station. Please alert neighbors and co-workers. Together we can keep Midtown a safe place to live and work.

"The Memphis Police Department is asking Cooper-Young residents to be on the lookout for a vehicle and 2-3 males who are suspects in the recent rash of break-ins in the neighborhood. They are described as

--Driving an older model white SUV (possibly a Ford Expedition)

--Suspects are African-American males

--At least two males taking part in each break-in and possibly three

The suspects have been pulling into driveways during daytime hours for the break-in, so please be attentive to any unusual cars parked at neighbors' homes during the day. The suspects' SUV is one of their most distinguishing characteristics and has been consistent in all the incidents. We ask that all residents please keep an extra watchful eye out. The police are on patrol, but the more eyes on the street watching for suspicious activity the better. IF you see someone or an unusual vehicle matching this description, please contact the Memphis Police Department immediately at 545-2677 or 911 if a possible break-in is taking place."

Union Station Successes and Strategies

The following information is provided by Col. Russell Houston, head of Union Station. Please encourage your neighbors and friends to stay in touch on Midtown security issues by following our blog. We will post updates from Col. Houston as we receive them. MSC meetings are scheduled on a periodic basis.

-- Union Station officers recently captured Taco Bell robbers who hit the store on Union near Kimbrough. Within minutes after the store was hit, the officers captured the suspect responsible.

-- Col. Russell Houston, head of Union Station, warns us that the holiday season is prime time for car break-ins. We can support Union Station in lowering these statistics by NEVER LEAVING ANY OBJECTS IN SIGHT IN OUR CARS. That includes a GPS, laptop, packages, briefcase, etc. Union Station has large "Stow it! Don't show it!" banners and brochures available to post at your business, school, or religious institution. Get some!

-- Do you take a chance when you are in a hurry and leave your car running while you run back in your house or run in a store? You are asking to have your car stolen. It happens regularly.

"Be a part of the solution. Help keep Midtown a safe place to live and work."