A group of bystanders in Nashville’s Antioch neighborhood attempted to trap a group of alleged burglars inside a store at Tanger Outlets until police could arrive. Video posted on social media shows four suspects wearing hoodies and masks stuck inside a Perfumania store, with the bystanders holding the front door closed to keep them inside. The suspects were seen trying to smash open the back door with a stepladder but were unsuccessful, leading them to attempt to break through the wall next to the door before the video ends abruptly.
The bystanders outside the store told news outlet WSMV-TV that they waited for Metro Nashville Police to arrive for 30 minutes while holding the front door shut. However, witnesses reported that the suspects had already escaped out the back of the store by the time officers arrived. One witness recounted how the alleged burglary unfolded, with the suspects trying to run around the store, break into the cash register, and steal cologne off the shelves before workers and shoppers fled from the store. Security at the mall informed bystanders that the suspects had jumped a fence and ran to Interstate 24 after breaking out of the store.
Locals in the area were upset by the incident, with one witness named Preston expressing concern over the frequency of such crimes in the neighborhood. He told WSMV-TV that many residents were disturbed by the burglary and felt that it occurred too often. The attempted burglary highlights the ongoing issue of crime in the community and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing these incidents. The suspects involved in the incident managed to evade capture despite the efforts of bystanders and the delayed response from the police.
The video footage of the attempted burglary at Tanger Outlets serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance in preventing and addressing criminal activity. Bystanders can play a crucial role in deterring crimes and assisting law enforcement in apprehending suspects by reporting suspicious behavior and taking action to intervene, as seen in this incident. The incident also sheds light on the impact of crime on local residents and businesses, with many feeling unsafe and distressed by the prevalence of such incidents in their neighborhood.
The escalation of the situation, with the suspects attempting to break through the store’s wall after failing to open the back door, underscores the lengths to which criminals will go to commit theft and vandalism. The incident serves as a wakeup call for authorities and community members to address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior and work together to create a safer environment for all residents. By coming together to tackle crime and support law enforcement efforts, communities can effectively combat criminal activity and ensure the safety and well-being of their neighborhoods.
