At least 18 employees’ vehicles were broken into in East Baptist

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – The Memphis Police Department said at least 18 vehicles were broken into on East Baptist Saturday night around 10:00 p.m.

A spokesperson for Baptist Memorial Hospital confirmed to Action News 5 that the break-in occurred in an employee parking lot.

Baptiste sent the following statement to our editors:

“Many cars were broken into in our staff parking lot overnight. Except for the responsible persons, no one was injured and did not participate in this incident. Our security team immediately shared their findings with the Memphis Police Department and are working with MPD to assist in the investigation in any way possible. Our campus security will increase security measures to protect parking lots and prevent future incidents. Patient and staff safety are our top priorities.”

Action News 5 also received a viewer tip that nearly every vehicle in the DHL Yeti Distribution parking lot was broken into overnight as well on Saturday.

A series of recent vandalism has put local auto window repair shops under pressure. According to the owner of Eden Auto Glass and Tint, he is struggling to keep up with the growing demand.

“We do about 10 cars a day,” Chris Eden told Action News 5. “Some cars take weeks to get the windows out, which frustrates our customers.”

Eden also said the items the crooks are looking for pose a major public safety challenge.

“They’re looking for a weapon,” Eden told Action News 5. “There could be money, a backpack with a laptop, tools, anything. But all they’re going to get is a gun.”

We reached out to the Memphis Police Department and they told Action News 5 they recommend never leaving a gun unattended in a vehicle. However, if you choose to do so, you must store it in a secured lockbox.

“You don’t want a gun in the wrong hands,” Eden said. “Things have to change, but I don’t know how.”

The Memphis Police Department’s Motor Vehicle Task Force is a special unit responsible for investigating these crimes. Recently, activists called for all MPD special forces to be disbanded after the death of Tyr Nichols.

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