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Memphis police report big drop in cargo thefts; task force credits tactics, business partnerships
Summary
Memphis Police Department officials told the Public Safety Committee that commercial burglaries and cargo thefts are down substantially year‑to‑date, citing arrests, camera integrations and partnerships with logistics firms and railroads. The department highlighted hot spots and said work continues with truck stops and freight partners.
The Memphis Police Department told the council's Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee on March 18 that commercial burglaries and cargo thefts have fallen sharply this year compared with the same period in 2024.
Deputy Chief Joe Oakley, who leads commercial burglary and related units, said the department recorded 197 business burglaries through March — down from 328 a year earlier — and credited a mix of investigative tactics, increased business cooperation through ConnectMemphis and camera integration at transport hubs.
Oakley said the department partners with companies including FedEx and truck‑stop operators on camera integration and shared security protocols. "We do have several that are on Connect Memphis and we are partnering with FedEx," Oakley said during the committee meeting.
The department also reported a reduction in cargo thefts from semi‑trailers and train boxcars. Oakley said hot spots include areas around Park and Lamar and Summer Avenue and along Lamar where truck routes and truck stops concentrate trailers. Police said the department has made arrests and will continue mapping, bolos and daily data sharing with precinct commanders.
Chief C.J. Davis briefed the committee on wider community and department initiatives, including community engagement at Old Allen Station and ongoing hiring efforts. Davis emphasized continued partnerships with the Port Authority and railroad police to install cameras and coordinate security at river and rail facilities.
Ending: Committee members praised the declines and pressed for continued outreach to distribution centers and truck‑stop operators. Police said they will sustain partnerships, camera integrations and focused patrols while providing updated hot‑spot briefings to the council.
