FAST FACTS:
(Memphis 2/2/2010) They're in competing businesses, but the Hispanic business owners that filled a local restaurant Tuesday were on one accord.
They all wanted something done about the crime plaguing their businesses. In many cases, bold robbers burst in and steal what they want, hitting shop after shop.
Lazara Semanate says when police are called, even to report suspicious activity, the response is slow.
"Until it happens, until it's at gunpoint, until your business is broken into, we are not gonna get somebody out to visit us and take our concerns," says Semanate.
This meeting was to air out concerns.
Hispanic business owners wonder if crimes are even being investigated.
"Follow through. A lot of time we give our cards and never hear back from anybody," says business owner Particia Aguilar.
Police assured the business owners they have been breaking up crime rings.
But they also urged businesses to get involved in community watch organizations. And they handed out direct phone numbers to reach supervisors.
"We have never heard some of these concerns. So I think we shared with them some things they can use and get what they need and help us do our job a little bit better," says Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin.
They say it will take more meetings and working together.
But ultimately, their goals are the same, stopping crime.
- Hispanic business owners fed up with crime
- Meeting held between the business owners and police
- Businesses and police work toward better communications
(Memphis 2/2/2010) They're in competing businesses, but the Hispanic business owners that filled a local restaurant Tuesday were on one accord.
They all wanted something done about the crime plaguing their businesses. In many cases, bold robbers burst in and steal what they want, hitting shop after shop.
Lazara Semanate says when police are called, even to report suspicious activity, the response is slow.
"Until it happens, until it's at gunpoint, until your business is broken into, we are not gonna get somebody out to visit us and take our concerns," says Semanate.
This meeting was to air out concerns.
Hispanic business owners wonder if crimes are even being investigated.
"Follow through. A lot of time we give our cards and never hear back from anybody," says business owner Particia Aguilar.
Police assured the business owners they have been breaking up crime rings.
But they also urged businesses to get involved in community watch organizations. And they handed out direct phone numbers to reach supervisors.
"We have never heard some of these concerns. So I think we shared with them some things they can use and get what they need and help us do our job a little bit better," says Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin.
They say it will take more meetings and working together.
But ultimately, their goals are the same, stopping crime.
