CONTACT INFORMATION
Kate Armitage, Director
Arts, Recreation, Parks & Communications
City of Millington
K.Armitage@MillingtonTN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THINKING OF VANDALIZING A MILLINGTON PARK? THINK AGAIN!
MILLINGTON, TN (JULY 3, 2015) – Recently, three Munford juveniles were taken into custody by the Millington Police Department and charged with vandalism they committed in a city park and an adjoining city neighborhood. The three teenaged young men found themselves facing felony vandalism charges in Shelby County Juvenile Court after Millington Police detectives identified them thanks to tips and information received from the community.
“I have a clear message for any vandal. If you vandalize Millington parks, you will be caught and you will be prosecuted to the furthest extent of the law,” said Kate Armitage, Director Millington Arts, Recreation and Parks. “Millington parks and public spaces are a tremendous asset in our community and exist for the public to enjoy. Vandalism and destruction of these areas will not be tolerated…period,” said Armitage.
In response to several acts of vandalism at various locations, covert electronic surveillance devices were installed in common areas of the park. A subsequent video recorded the acts of vandalism but after concerted attempts by detectives to positively identify the suspects through local contacts failed, MPD turned to social media. Placing a portion of the surveillance video onto a social media website garnered over 30,000 hits in the first 48 hours and generated tips to detectives which lead to the positive identification of the juvenile suspects.
“These acts of vandalism in our city park create an unnecessary drain on city resources. The costs of clean up and/or repairs alone can sometimes be in the thousands of dollars…Dollars that could be spent on more productive services to benefit our community,” said Millington Police Chief, Frank Tennant.
MPD routinely utilizes available surveillance video footage to identify criminal acts and suspects. Several local retail businesses make video footage from their security systems available to officers who are investigating reports of criminal acts. The use of both public and private security video has become a welcomed tool for officers to further investigations into a variety of incidents that have included assaults, vandalism, burglaries, thefts and traffic accidents.
Millington offers a special thanks to those companies and individuals who assist us in combating crime in our community. It is only through these concerted partnerships and bonds in the community that we can truly make an impact on criminal activity in our community. A very special THANKS to those who come forward and assist us in making Millington a safe place to call home!
ABOUT MILLINGTON, TENNESSEE
Located just minutes from Memphis, Millington enjoys an exceptional quality of life for an estimated 10,000 citizens. Quality education, recreation and economic growth make Millington a great place to live, work and play. Millington is home to the Millington Municipal School District as well as a variety of public and private, faith based schools and various colleges, universities and technical institutions are in the area. In 2004 The University of Memphis opened its Millington Campus and offers undergraduate and graduate courses in numerous fields of study. Millington is home to Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Ingram Micro, Memphis International Raceway, USA Stadium, Mirimichi and other golf courses providing opportunities for economic growth and world-class recreation. Millington’s West Tennessee Regional Business Center, a publicly owned business and industry center, features 1900 acres of prime industrial space with easy access to the Millington Regional Jetport and the Canadian National Railroad. True intermodal transportation and shipping, makes Millington the perfect place for business. Widely known as “Flag City, USA,” Millington truly offers the best of the Mid-South.
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