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I see so many comments that give the perception that a visitor to Memphis is in mortal danger once they enter the city limits because crime is so bad here. I'd like to try to dispel that myth. You aren't risking your life, or that of your family members, when you come to Memphis.
Yes, Memphis has a high crime rate - but that statistic can be very misleading. The rate of violent crime (murder, in particular) is the one that strikes fear in everyone's heart - but you have to look at when and where the overwhelming majority of those crimes occur, and who the perps and victims are. The truth is that those crimes are overwhelmingly black-on-black crimes that occur in the poorest neighborhoods...the 'hood, if you will. In most of those cases, the perp and the victim were acquaintances and, seemingly more often, relatives. Alcohol and/or drugs are often involved. That same thing is also true of murders that are not black-on-black or occur in other areas of the city. They result from domestic violence, bar fights, drug deals gone bad, etc.
So, if you stay out of the bad areas of town (and what city doesn't have them?), don't do anything really stupid (like stop at a convenience store in a marginal area at 2:00 AM), and don't get into an argument with a drunk redneck at a seedy bar, you'll be just fine. If you look at the crime rate in the "better" areas of the city I seriously doubt there is any more crime than in any other major city - maybe even less.
I'm not saying Memphis doesn't have it's share of problems. Corrupt politicians, governmental incompetence and waste, high property taxes, etc.; but the city and the surrounding area still have a lot to offer - and can be a nice place to visit or to live.
Now, before anyone labels me a racist for my comments about black-on-black crime, I can assure you that's not the case. I'm just stating the plain facts. It's not a racial issue, it's a poverty issue. It just so happens that, in Memphis, African-Americans are in the majority - and, in the poorest areas, they are the vast majority. That's just part of the history and the reality of the area. If this were another city, that demographic might be Hispanic, Asian...or Caucasian. I was raised poor, but not in poverty, so I don't understand why there is so much anger and such a lack of respect for human life among so many of those people that it leads to such violent behavior.
The really sad thing is that, even in those sections of town, the majority of the people there are wonderful, hard working, church going people. I deal with them every day. Since they can't afford to live elsewhere (or choose not to), the live in fear that tonight the stray bullet might come their way.
I have a new grandson and, like every other grandparent, I'd do absolutely anything to protect him and see that he has a long, happy and successful life. The 'hood is full of grandparents exactly like me - but it must be heartbreaking for them to worry about the future of their own grandkids.
When you visit Memphis, just do the same things you do to be safe in any other city. You'll be just fine
I moved here recently and have had no problems. Just like everywhere else in the world, if you follow the guidelines you already know like, lock your doors, don't wander around at night, especially alone, if you drive into a bad neighborhood turn around and get out, etc. If you do the things you aleady know, you will be okay.
Amen. In all truth, I did feel safer when I lived in a small Northeastern city than I do in general here, but this particular town had MAYBE three homicides on a particularly bloody year, and the police department could go a week or two with nothing more serious than a domestic dispute incident or petty theft.
I do feel safe here, though. And a lot of not being a victim of crime is using common sense. Yes, there are random break-ins and violent crimes, but generally, if you lock your doors and don't stick your nose where it shouldn't be (and definitely don't leave the box for your shiny new home theater system on the curb), you should be just fine. I've had so many people ask me "Oh, you're from Memphis -- how did you survive?" Just the same as anyone else, thanks.
(and definitely don't leave the box for your shiny new home theater system on the curb)
Words of wisdom. Nondescript boxes are best used for shipping and even disposal.
Begin rant:
A local FedEx driver lost/stole my plasma package (the shipping box clearly advertised the contents within: Pioneer Elite 1080p plasma display). What was actually within the box was for a used Plasma TV that I had sold for on eBay for $1,585 after shipping, which was a bargain, less than ½ price what I paid just a year prior. You see, I used the packaging of my new display to ship last years used display to the new owner.
Anyways, the FedEx dude (who gave me a thuggish vibe as I recall for he certainly wasn't the clean cut variant that they use for flyers/commercials) picked up the package from my house (in the center of Memphis). We helped him load it into his FedEx truck. That was the last scan it received, it never made it to the hub, and was supposed to be fast 2-day delivery to Florida. This was a the week of super bowl Sunday so maybe he lost my plasma at his buddy's crib? Or perhaps it's stashed at his own crib. It takes two people to move a box of those dimensions, so it's kinda obvious what happened. It was insured for more than the sale price but FedEx told me they aren't responsible for lost or damaged plasma TV's! They faxed me an extensive list of what isn't covered under their insurance policy and it includes collectables, artwork, antiques, furniture, displays, jewelry, and basically anything of value worth stealing or insuring. I've been insuring and shipping with FedEx for 8+ years and this was my very 1st claim with them. Ironically, most everything I've been insuring falls under their limited liability list. Not that they never lost or misdelivered a package of mine before, it's just that they were fortunately the smaller claims that weren't worth the effort filing a claim. Now that there was a large claim, they refused to cover!
FYI, I originated this pickup with FedEx over the phone, explained that it was a plasma TV, and the rep advised me to insure for the larger amount ($1,600), and she never mentioned that my insurance would be useless in the event of a claim.
Talk about the perfect casino, tons of suckers buying insurance but he house (FedEx) always wins and never pays out. Reminds me of homes flooded in New Orleans, but insurance won't honor flood insurance because they can weasel out for event's they aren't responsible for, in this case "act of God". Right, act of God that broke the man made levees, that flooded the houses. Just like the FedEx driver that decided to keep my Plasma, btw the shipping box was of my new TV, the Pioneer Elite 1080p that retails for $5999 before tax/shipping (given award of best display of the year at 2007 CES). He thought he was stealing top notch, but when he sold or opened he'll find it's not what he thought he was stealing. One good thing.
Now with USPS it's different. It's a federal offense to steal US mail, and USPS insurance doesn't have as many stipulations like FedEx does. Still, like I said earlier, shipping damage virtually never occurs, and it's far more economical to eat the extremely rare loss than to pay extra for higher insurance on every single package.
After weeks of back and forth calls with a FedEx rep (I was on them almost daily, I made this top project of mine), they finally decided to offer me < 1/2 of the insurance claim ($700). I reluctantly accepted, but they never told me what came of my Plasma TV. All we know is that it was loaded on the FedEx truck from my house, scanned, and disappeared from there, never to arrive at the hub. That leaves the last responsibility with the driver. It was a 100+ lb package with dimensions of a large sofa, so it's not like it walked off or blew away. Plus, I'm told that the cameras show no footage of this package leaving the truck (so it wasn't lost at the hub, it NEVER made it there).
Sorry for the extensive rant, but I kinda enjoyed venting my recent experience concerning a dubious local theft.
So I learned my lesson. Shortly after, I shipped a package to a customer in Arizona via FedEx Standard Overnight. Customer paid $113,248.00 but I provided them with free shipping. I decided to insure the package for exactly $100 and no more (first $100 is free), so I saved $680 in insurance fees on this particular shipment. Sure would have been messy if the package was lost or stolen though! Then again, if the 18 lb package had a value of $113,248.00 declared, it would have brought some unwanted attention to it and would have increased the risk of being stolen (or conveniently lost/misdelivered). Besides, FedEx won't let you insure for more than $50,000 per package anyways.
P.S.: the buyer of the plasma was issued a full refund via PayPal long before the FedEx half ass resolution was remitted. We both left each other positive feedback at least.
Words of wisdom. Nondescript boxes are best used for shipping and even disposal.
Begin rant:
A local FedEx driver lost/stole my plasma package (the shipping box clearly advertised the contents within: Pioneer Elite 1080p plasma display). What was actually within the box was for a used Plasma TV that I had sold for on eBay for $1,585 after shipping, which was a bargain, less than ½ price what I paid just a year prior. You see, I used the packaging of my new display to ship last years used display to the new owner.
Anyways, the FedEx dude (who gave me a thuggish vibe as I recall for he certainly wasn't the clean cut variant that they use for flyers/commercials) picked up the package from my house (in the center of Memphis). We helped him load it into his FedEx truck. That was the last scan it received, it never made it to the hub, and was supposed to be fast 2-day delivery to Florida. This was a the week of super bowl Sunday so maybe he lost my plasma at his buddy's crib? Or perhaps it's stashed at his own crib. It takes two people to move a box of those dimensions, so it's kinda obvious what happened. It was insured for more than the sale price but FedEx told me they aren't responsible for lost or damaged plasma TV's! They faxed me an extensive list of what isn't covered under their insurance policy and it includes collectables, artwork, antiques, furniture, displays, jewelry, and basically anything of value worth stealing or insuring. I've been insuring and shipping with FedEx for 8+ years and this was my very 1st claim with them. Ironically, most everything I've been insuring falls under their limited liability list. Not that they never lost or misdelivered a package of mine before, it's just that they were fortunately the smaller claims that weren't worth the effort filing a claim. Now that there was a large claim, they refused to cover!
FYI, I originated this pickup with FedEx over the phone, explained that it was a plasma TV, and the rep advised me to insure for the larger amount ($1,600), and she never mentioned that my insurance would be useless in the event of a claim.
Talk about the perfect casino, tons of suckers buying insurance but he house (FedEx) always wins and never pays out. Reminds me of homes flooded in New Orleans, but insurance won't honor flood insurance because they can weasel out for event's they aren't responsible for, in this case "act of God". Right, act of God that broke the man made levees, that flooded the houses. Just like the FedEx driver that decided to keep my Plasma, btw the shipping box was of my new TV, the Pioneer Elite 1080p that retails for $5999 before tax/shipping (given award of best display of the year at 2007 CES). He thought he was stealing top notch, but when he sold or opened he'll find it's not what he thought he was stealing. One good thing.
Now with USPS it's different. It's a federal offense to steal US mail, and USPS insurance doesn't have as many stipulations like FedEx does. Still, like I said earlier, shipping damage virtually never occurs, and it's far more economical to eat the extremely rare loss than to pay extra for higher insurance on every single package.
After weeks of back and forth calls with a FedEx rep (I was on them almost daily, I made this top project of mine), they finally decided to offer me < 1/2 of the insurance claim ($700). I reluctantly accepted, but they never told me what came of my Plasma TV. All we know is that it was loaded on the FedEx truck from my house, scanned, and disappeared from there, never to arrive at the hub. That leaves the last responsibility with the driver. It was a 100+ lb package with dimensions of a large sofa, so it's not like it walked off or blew away. Plus, I'm told that the cameras show no footage of this package leaving the truck (so it wasn't lost at the hub, it NEVER made it there).
Sorry for the extensive rant, but I kinda enjoyed venting my recent experience concerning a dubious local theft.
So I learned my lesson. Shortly after, I shipped a package to a customer in Arizona via FedEx Standard Overnight. Customer paid $113,248.00 but I provided them with free shipping. I decided to insure the package for exactly $100 and no more (first $100 is free), so I saved $680 in insurance fees on this particular shipment. Sure would have been messy if the package was lost or stolen though! Then again, if the 18 lb package had a value of $113,248.00 declared, it would have brought some unwanted attention to it and would have increased the risk of being stolen (or conveniently lost/misdelivered). Besides, FedEx won't let you insure for more than $50,000 per package anyways.
P.S.: the buyer of the plasma was issued a full refund via PayPal long before the FedEx half ass resolution was remitted. We both left each other positive feedback at least.
Wow, what a story. My husband would have been soo pissed off that I don't know what he would have done? Did you ask them why they wanted you to insure something they don't cover? That's insane.
What you are describing is just big city crime, nothing unique or alarming at all to anyone who has lived in a big city for an extended time. What's interesting to me is how many people live in this city, yet are surprised by things like this! With all due respect, when you advertise something don't you think someone will be tempted?
Memphis may have been Mayberry on steroids at one time, but those times are definitely gone. Take a cue from others who have lived in cities all their lives:
- SHRED ANYTHING WITH YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS ON IT BEFORE PUTTING IT IN THE TRASH!
- Never, Never, ever show backpocket wallet bulge or any wallet bulge for the matter
- Carry your money and wallet separately
- Never leave anything of value in your car, not even a coat or jacket, especially if parking downtown or in high traffic places
- When someone you don't know walks up to you NEVER shake their hand, EVER.
- Never, EVER put equipment boxes in the trash without destroying them, or folding them so the item doesn't show.
- If moving, move very early in the morning, preferably before 8:00am.
That's just a partial list off the top of my head, I'm sure others have their own rules to live by.
Ex-Pat
Last edited by expatnortherner; 09-02-2008 at 01:35 PM..
Reason: Spelling
Whoa! Much stated and much in these posts are so true. I have stayed in Memphis practically all but close to 8 years of my life and I'm middle aged (you do the guessing..lol). I do agree it's nothing like it use to be in the 70's, 80's or even 90's....the crime rates have greatly increased predominantly in the "hood" I also agree....but let's not leave out the so called "upper class" areas. More and more crimes are being reported in Germantown, Collierville as well as Cordova....It just comes to show that not only is it the certain areas of the city (cities)....however, I am more determined to believe that it might be the type of people moving or living in these areas, as well as the company they are attracting to these areas.
I highly recommend "neighborhood watches" regardless of what area in Memphis one stay in. It happens to be the "day and age" in which one never knows who or what to expect in our neighborhoods. We can unify and come together to try our darnest to keep (atleast most) of these bad "elements" from filtering throughout our neighborhoods...."just my 2cents of the matter"...God Bless the city of Memphis.
DoubleT, I think the implications are possibly moving early in the morning (say 5 or 6 a.m., hopefully the "hard nose" criminals who are on the prowl or thier "post" watching/lurking to see what they can get into...are hopefully thinking more about getting a bit of sleep after brawling all night. I can imagine you never heard of this, just like I found out years ago that some criminals consider... watching the neighboring residents activities of daily living to learn their schedules; Only to prey upon their "subjects" state of vulnerability...As a Full Time Job and they view this type of activity a JOB, their Job....as we would a Corporate America Job...this is sad.
Using binoculars and having look out guys with cell phones to communicate to avoid getting caught; then we wonder why these guys hardly ever get caught. It's a shame when these bad guys know your schedule better than you do...and yes some people need to get "real" and consider the fact that "bad elements" maybe floating around anywhere (not just in the "hoods") and yes some areas are far more desirable than others....Thank God.
. As some of the posters stated, you really just have to be cautious and feasibly pursue safety measurements..."It is what It is".
The rest are familiar, but I've never heard this piece of advice before, what's the reasoning behind it?.
This is old school NYC advice. Bad guys generally don't get up early in the morning. The earlier you move the better.
Even more, cover everything when you move. Moving is like the showcases on "The Pricie Is Right". To someone watching it's just putting on display all your household wares.
Ex-Pat
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FedEx came to my house and stole my Plasma TV.
